How can the health of your mouth affect your whole body? The past 5 to 10 years have seen a growing interest in possible links between oral health and body health. Several studies have been conducted that show a connection between the health of your mouth and many serious health concerns. Below are just a few of the connections that have already been made.

Oral Health and Heart Disease

Inflammation in the body is a primary factor in heart disease. When you have inflammation in the mouth, this can increase the amount of inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries, where it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Additionally, several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis (erosion of tissue and bone that support the teeth) have been found to be present in arterial plaque in the heart. This plaque can lead to heart attack.

Oral Health and Respiratory Infections

According to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient’s risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease.

Oral Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some studies show that people with moderate to severe gum disease are nearly three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. People with periodontitis also have higher blood levels of an antibody that has been associated with more severe, damaging RA than people with healthy gums.

The Bottom Line

There is definitely a connection between our oral health and the health of our whole bodies. All of the connections between the two are yet to be discovered, but it is clear that taking care of your teeth is not only an investment in your smile, but also your entire body!