The connection between oral health and overall health is overwhelming. Unquestionably, poor oral health can wreak havoc on the entire body. Here is an overview of recent literature on the subject of the dental medical health connection.
New research reveals how dental health influences our overall health in ways that we never imagined. It can affect:
- Brain health and stroke risk
- Cognitive decline
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Olli Patrakka is a researcher at Tampere University in Finland. He said “My research contributes to the evidence that the impact of oral health on general health is significant. The blood vessels of the tooth pulp are directly connected to systemic circulation. Thus, bacteria (…) can circulate directly into our bodies if the teeth are not in good condition.”(1)
Brain health and stroke risk
Poor oral hygiene is a risk factor for strokes. The World Stroke Organization reported that over 13 million people suffer from strokes each year, and one in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime. They stated that 90% of these cases could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. These changes include a healthier diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and improving oral hygiene. (1,2,4)
A study conducted at the University of Tampere, Finland, found that oral bacteria were associated with the development of strokes. Although these bacteria are normal mouth microbes, they can cause serious illnesses such as heart valve inflammation when they enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums. Researchers hypothesized that bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental infections and dental procedures, hastening the development of strokes and atherosclerosis. (1, 2, 4)
Studies show dental plaque bacteria are responsible for about 95% of oral diseases. One of the most common oral diseases is periodontitis, a severe gum disease caused by dental plaque. Early signs of this disease include red gums, gum bleeding, and bad breath. (3)
Cognitive decline
Previous research has established an association between tooth loss and cognitive decline. This research prompted an investigation into specific brain regions affected and its underlying mechanisms. The study, conducted in Japan, showed that individuals with fewer natural teeth exhibited smaller brain volumes and more characteristics of dementia. The study suggests that periodontal ligament loss could contribute to brain atrophy and impact sensory information transmission. (5)
Furthermore, reduced enjoyment of food because of tooth loss may reduce stimulation of memory-related brain regions. Tooth loss correlated with a dietary shift toward processed foods, potentially exacerbating cognitive decline through inflammation and vascular dysfunction. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining oral health along with balanced diets to lessen cognitive decline risks. (5)
Patients with periodontal disease are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who have healthy mouths. Medications for dementia often increase symptoms of dry mouth, and higher cavity rates are seen in patients with dementia, particularly those who live in nursing care facilities. (5)
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
The World Health Organization reports that COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Research confirms that periodontitis worsens COPD. Researchers from Sichuan University in China, report that bacteria associated with gum disease promote COPD progression through the activation of cells that are important to the immune system. (6)
Kidney disease
A study published in Menopause Magazine reported that chronic kidney disease may be linked to tooth loss in postmenopausal women. Researchers evaluated the relationship between tooth loss and chronic kidney disease in nearly 65,000 postmenopausal women. Two factors — glomerular filtration rate and reproductive hormone levels — are known to decrease following menopause, possibly increasing the risk of tooth loss. (7)
Colon cancer
Nature recently published a study that revealed a potential link between a type of bacteria associated with dental plaque and aggressive treatment-resistant colorectal cancer. The bacteria were found in 50% of tumors tested, suggesting that this bacteria may protect tumor cells from cancer-fighting drugs. (8)
It should be noted that colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, is increasingly affecting younger people. (8)
Understanding the microbiome’s role in cancer risk represents a crucial frontier in cancer research. (8)
Pancreatic cancer
Periodontal bacteria have been linked to pancreatic cancer. Research was conducted by Gabriel Nussbaum, MD, PhD, at the Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine. The study found that oral bacteria, called Porphyromonas gingivalis, has been linked to pancreatic cancer. In addition, oral bacteria have been shown to accelerate pancreatic cancer development in mice. (9)
Final Comments:
Jukka Meurman, at the University of Helsinki, says, “(…) Oral health is an important component of both physical and mental health (…).” He stresses the importance of rapid treatment of oral infections, as bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause infections throughout the body. These infections can lead to a low-grade inflammatory condition that can affect overall wellness. (7)
Meurman points out that oral infection is particularly harmful for people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatic and kidney diseases, and immune disorders. The increased risk of oral diseases also applies to people taking immunosuppressive drugs, which can predispose them to oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis. (7)
Tooth loss may also be associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, and osteoporosis.
Thorough oral hygiene is crucial in the prevention and treatment of oral infections. It should be noted that a good mechanical brushing technique, including cleaning of the interdental spaces, is crucial because even asymptomatic oral inflammations can affect the body’s overall health. Statistically, people with healthy mouths live longer!
Many older adults have lost all of their teeth and suffer from dementia. These individuals require dental care provided by primary care providers. Effective oral home care for these dementia patients is needed.
Recommendations:
A rigorous oral hygiene regimen with regular professional oral hygiene cleanings including dental exams by a dentist can help to ensure a healthy mouth. It can be medically costly to neglect dental care.
The prosthodontists at Pi Dental Center recommend that patients visit their dentist for professional cleanings every 3 to 6 months. If you or a family member are looking for a dentist and have not been seen recently, or if you need to schedule an oral hygiene cleaning with examination, give us a call at (215) 646-6334. We will be happy to schedule an appointment.
Footnotes:
- Patrakka Olli. Studies on the bacterial microbiome in thrombus aspirates of acute ischemic stroke patients. Dissertation presented to: the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology of Tampere University; March 8, 2024; Finland. https://trepo.tuni.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/154588/978-952-03-3315-7.pdf
- Sen S, Giamberardino LD, Moss K, et al. Periodontal disease, regular dental care use, and incident ischemic stroke. Stroke. 2018;49(2):355-362. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.018990
- The FinHealth 2017 follow-up study. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). https://www.healthinformationportal.eu/health-information-sources/finhealth-2017-follow
- Koka S, Gupta A. Association between missing tooth count and mortality: a systematic review. J Prosthodont Res. 2018;62(2):134-151. doi:10.1016/j.jpor.2017.08.003
- Published in Decisions in Dentistry, “Association Between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Decline Is Explored.” By Kristen Pratt Machado On Apr 2, 2024 https://decisionsindentistry.com/2024/04/association-between-tooth-loss-and-cognitive-decline-is-explored/
- mSystems, a journal from the American Society of Microbiology
- Meurman, Jukka, Article appeared in “Oral health is a cornerstone of overall health—a new perspective,” Author: Nina Garlo-Melkas, MSc, June 12, 2024, Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group.
- Published in “Periodontal Bacterium Implicated in Aggressive Colon Cancer.” By Kristen Pratt Machado, Mar 24, 2024. https://decisionsindentistry.com/2024/03/periodontal-bacterium-implicated-in-aggressive-colon-cancer/
- Published in Decisions in Dentistry. “Periodontal Bacteria Linked to Pancreatic Cancer.” By Kristen Pratt Machado On Mar 30, 2024. https://decisionsindentistry.com/2024/03/periodontal-bacteria-linked-to-pancreatic-cancer/