The Critical Link Between Dental Health and Overall Wellness

People learn early on that brushing and flossing can prevent cavities. However, many don’t realize that dental health is essential to maintaining overall health, especially for those with certain medical conditions. At Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics, our team is dedicated to helping you keep your oral health in top condition to prevent future problems. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Orlando FL periodontist office.

Whole-Person Health and Dental Care

In recent years, health care has increasingly focused on improving whole-person health. Poor oral health can exacerbate conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, similar to how mental illness can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Routine preventive dental care not only improves overall health but can also reduce health care costs. According to a recent Cigna study, consistent preventive dental care can reduce total medical costs by 4.4% annually. Diabetes patients saw even greater savings—an average of 12.25% per year.

Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Certain health conditions are closely linked to oral health, making regular dental visits crucial for affected individuals.

Here are some examples:

Kidney Disease

Patients with kidney disease may be more susceptible to infections caused by severe gum disease due to a weakened immune system. Cavities and gum disease can cause pain, difficulty eating, bad breath, and chronic inflammation, which can contribute to other medical conditions, such as heart disease. Furthermore, dental infections can delay a kidney transplant, making good oral hygiene essential.

Organ Transplant

Any organ transplant requires dental management. Doctors ensure that patients do not have untreated infections or dental issues that could complicate the procedure. After receiving anti-rejection medications, patients may struggle to fight bacteria and prevent infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Historically, oral health and rheumatoid arthritis have been connected. Researchers believe rheumatoid arthritis may be triggered by an infection that causes inflammation in dental disease. Pain and stiffness can also cause jaw pain, making it difficult for people with arthritis to brush and floss.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease affects the function of the hands and arms, leading to significantly more decayed teeth in patients. Additionally, grinding and clenching their teeth can result in headaches, tooth fractures, and TMJ disorders.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Studies show that people with poor oral health are more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke. Researchers believe that periodontitis and gingivitis bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain. Fatty plaques can block blood vessels, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry eyes and mouth. People with Sjogren’s syndrome may find it difficult to chew certain foods, and brushing can be painful. The condition can also lead to thrush, a fungal infection that causes painful white patches in the mouth.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth pain, bad breath, and tooth loss. Diabetes also increases sugar levels in saliva, which can cause thrush.

Head and Neck Cancer Radiation

Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can cause mouth ulcers, damaged salivary glands, and dry mouth. Patients may experience loss of taste, jaw stiffness, and loss of tissue and bone.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS weakens muscles and affects physical function, making brushing and flossing difficult. Saliva can cause plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, leading to cavities, gum disease, and pneumonia.

Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Opioid addiction is more prevalent in adolescents and young adults, particularly following wisdom tooth extractions. First-time exposure to opioids can lead to misuse and addiction.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation. The CDC reports that one in four women of childbearing age has untreated cavities, and children of mothers with high levels of untreated cavities are more than three times more likely to have cavities.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness in the jaw muscles, making it difficult to chew and swallow. Patients are also more likely to have bacteria associated with severe gum disease, which can enter the bloodstream.

Lupus

Lupus patients are more likely to suffer from severe gum disease, as well as chronic ulcers and lesions on the lips, tongue, and mouth. The disease also attacks the salivary glands, and some medications used to treat it may cause dry mouth.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care

Regular dental care can mitigate many of the oral side effects of these medical conditions. Patients should brush and floss daily, keep their dentist or periodontist informed of their health status, and schedule regular checkups.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics, your trusted Orlando FL periodontist. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy mouth and a healthier life.