Poor Oral Cavity Health

Oral systemic health highlights the critical connections between oral health and overall body health, grounded in extensive research. Poor oral health can lead to numerous systemic health issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.

Oral systemic health refers to the growing body of research that demonstrates the link between oral health and overall body health. Numerous studies have shown that poor oral health—manifesting as altered levels of good and bad bacteria, infections, cavitations, and metals from amalgam fillings—can contribute to serious health conditions.

1. Cardiovascular Disease
2. Alzheimer's Disease
3. Periodontal Disease
4. Diabetes
5. Cancer
6. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
7. Respiratory Issues
8. Rheumatoid Arthritis
9. Osteoporosis
10. Kidney Disease
11. Prostate/Erectile Dysfunction

• Cancer
  There is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and cancer, including oral, breast, pancreatic, lung, and blood cancers. Smoking and chewing tobacco further increase the risk of oral cancer, making early detection critical for survival. The mechanism is often related to imbalanced bacteria and infection, which cause chronic inflammation not only in the oral cavity but also systemically. This inflammation leads to damage to DNA and mitochondria, which protect the cell. When these structures are damaged, apoptosis (programmed cell death) is inhibited. Under healthy circumstances, mutated or damaged cells should go through apoptosis. Instead, these mutated cells replicate instead of dying off—this is cancer.

• Cardiovascular Disease
  Between 80-90% of heart disease can be prevented, and proper dental hygiene is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is directly linked to artery inflammation. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing arteries to harden and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Poor oral health is also associated with high blood pressure and dense LDL cholesterol, further elevating cardiovascular risk. Preventing gum disease through proper oral care and regular dental visits is crucial.

• Alzheimer's Disease
  Poor oral health can lead to inflamed gums, with bacteria traveling from the mouth to the brain, potentially killing brain cells and leading to memory loss. Oral bacteria have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Pathogenic oral bacteria called spirochetes have been studied as a potential cause of Alzheimer's, with their presence being significantly higher in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Salivary diagnostic testing can detect these oral pathogens.

• Diabetes
  According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, many of whom are unaware and undiagnosed. Diabetes increases the risk of infections, including gum infections. Periodontal disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetes complications or increasing the risk of developing diabetes. An estimated 95% of adults with diabetes also have periodontal disease.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders
  One of the first signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is teeth grinding, which dentists and hygienists should look for in all patients. Grinding can cause cavities or inflamed gums, increasing susceptibility to infection. OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and headaches. Collaboration between healthcare teams can aid in diagnosis and treatment.

• Respiratory Issues
  Poor dental hygiene is connected to a higher risk of respiratory issues. Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, and lung disease. Working with a dentist and medical provider can help reduce infection progression from the mouth to the lungs.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Johns Hopkins University has studied the link between poor oral health and rheumatoid arthritis. Results show a correlation between the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal disease. The inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis patients is similar to that in periodontal disease.

• Osteoporosis
  Advanced periodontal disease can cause bone loss due to inflammation and infection. Research shows links between periodontal disease and bone density throughout the body. Proper oral hygiene, along with a suitable diet and supplementation, can lower the risk of periodontal disease and bone loss.

• Kidney Disease
  Poor oral health can lead to inflammation and infection, which travel through the bloodstream and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Kidney disease, another consequence of poor oral health, can also lead to cardiovascular disease.

• Prostate/Erectile Dysfunction
  Poor oral health can affect sexual health. Periodontal disease creates infection pockets in the mouth, and bacteria in the bloodstream can cause inflamed blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the genitals. Men with periodontal disease are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Because of the dangers of poor oral health, I always recommend being checked by a “Biological Dentist.” These are trained dentists who detect and safely eliminate infections, metal fillings, and imbalanced bacteria.