Oral health can lead to better overall health

Poor oral health may signal or cause myriad health problems

It may surprise many patients with heart disease or diabetes when their doctors refers them to a gum specialist.

There has been increasing interest in recent years in links between mouth health and overall body health.

Doctors are taking a more holistic approach to patients’ overall health according to the American Dental Association.

In a recent study, people with serious gum disease were found to be 40 percent more likely to have a chronic condition.

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria—most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care—such as daily brushing and flossing—can keep these bacteria under control.

However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Dr. Eliphas Osinde, a dentist with CHRISTUS St. Michael Genesis Prime Care, said one thing most people don’t realize is bacteria from a tooth infection can easily spread through the body.

“You have bacteria in your mouth and you are always swallowing,” Osinde said. “It can go into the bloodstream and into your heart.

Dental problems are an indirect way to make health problems worse.”

Genesis PrimeCare is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit clinic that provides dentistry along with primary medical care for patients. The clinic accepts medicaid and medicare and has applications for sliding fee discounts.

Osinde said many people have a fear of going to the dentist. “They think the dentist is going to hurt them because they may have had a bad experience in the past,” he said.

Dr. Jason Harris, an emergency room doctor at CHRISTUS St. Michael, said patients who come to the E.R. with dental problems have usually had an issue for some time.

“It’s usually a problem that has been present for a while and then it gets down in the root and causes pain,” he said.

Since the emergency room is an expensive option for dental care, Harris recommends everyone have a regular dentist for routine check-ups that can prevent painful problems down the road.

Harris said parents in Texarkana should also provide fluoride supplements to the children because the water is not fluoridated. “That’s important when they are young. Because if you have bad teeth as a kid, they are probably not going to get any better,” he said.

Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

ENDOCARDITIS

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium).

Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:

DIABETES

Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection—putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, and that regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.

HIV/AIDS

Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis—which causes bones to become weak and brittle—might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.