September 9, 2005

Oral disease and systemic health —What is the connection?

By Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S.
Special to the Times

The relationship of our teeth and mouths to overall good health is indisputable. A healthy mouth is important for maintaining good eating habits, verbal communication and a positive self-image.

But what about a healthy mouth’s role in preventing systemic diseases; that is, diseases that affect other parts of our body?

A growing body of evidence seems to support the premise that infections in the mouth, specifically periodontal (gum) disease, appear to be associated with certain infections to the heart, heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Pre-term infants
A case control study showed that mothers of pre-term, low-birth-weight infants had significantly more advanced periodontal disease than control mothers giving birth to normal weight infants.

Components from the bacteria in the diseased mouth are thought to trigger a chain of bodily events that influences pregnancy outcomes. Data analysis has shown that patients with periodontal disease have six times greater risk of delivering pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.

However, no actual cause-and-effect relationship has been shown. It remains possible that various other environmental factors could put pregnant women at increased risk.

Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases—including atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis, ischemic heart disease as well as stroke—are the major causes of death in the United States. today. Acknowledged risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cigarette smoking.

New evidence suggests that periodontal disease may be a contributor. Population studies have indicated a 1.5 to 2.0 times greater risk of fatal cardiovascular disease in patients with periodontal disease. In study after study, a positive connection has been found between oral disease and cardiovascular health.

What’s on the horizon?
Researchers continue to investigate possible connections between oral disease and systemic health. As evidence grows, they are examining other disease connections.

For example, one specific oral bacteria is being investigated for links to certain mental disorders because it has been found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. More work is needed to prove the cause-and-effect between oral disease and systemic diseases.

The bottom line
Our mouths are the portal to our bodies. Growing evidence suggests disease processes in our mouths can influence other bodily functions.

To maintain a healthy body we must maintain healthy mouths. Otherwise we are opening the door to risk factors that may have serious health implications.