Connections between Oral and Physical Health

Did you know poor oral health could contribute to or worsen conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's?

For Dental Health Week 2023, the Australian Dental Association conducted a study on the connection between oral health and chronic conditions. Here's what they found:

1. Heart Disease

   The spread of bacteria from the mouth to the bloodstream can potentially cause inflammation and contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems. 1 in 6 Australians suffer from heart disease, with it causing 1 death every 12 minutes.

2. Birth Issues

   Gum inflammation and infection can increase the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight in infants. Pregnancy hormones can cause gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. (check our Pregnancy and Oral Health post for more info!) Only 2% of babies survive being born pre-term under 23 weeks gestation.

3. Bowel Disease

   Poor oral hygiene may contribute to gut inflammation and the development or exacerbation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD includes 2 severe chronic conditions, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These conditions can cause painful symptoms and can shorten life expectancy.

4. Alzheimer's Disease

   The presence of periodontal pathogens can travel to the brain, trigger an inflammatory response, and contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Alzheimer's Disease has an 8 to 10 year life expectancy.

5. Lung Disease

   The aspiration of oral bacteria into the respiratory tract potentially causes or exacerbates lung infections and inflammation. Lung disease impact 1 in 3 Australians, regardless of smoking history, and causes 1 in 7 deaths each year.

6. Diabetes Types 1 & 2

   The impact of periodontal disease on insulin resistance and blood sugar control potentially exacerbates diabetic complications. Severe gum disease makes controlling diabetes harder, and diabetes will make gum disease worse. Diabetes affects over 1.5 million Australians and is linked to 11% of deaths each year.

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Remember: Taking care of your oral health is not just about protecting your smile. It's important to take care of your teeth and gums to protect yourself from inflammation that could trigger these conditions or make them worse.

Taking care of your oral health can be broken down into 5 simple steps:

1. Brush you teeth twice a day

2. Floss to clean every surface of your teeth and protect against gum disease

3. Drink plenty of water every day

4. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding snacking on sugary and acidic foods/drinks

5. Visit your dentist for check up and cleans every 6 months

Don't let you oral health limit your life! Follow these 5 steps to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy.

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