Dental Health is About More than Teeth

 

It is an odd feature of western-style healthcare that medical and dental health are so firmly separated. Nature and biology recognize no such compartmentalization though. A recent study of over 64,000 patients by the University of Birmingham in the UK and published in the British Medical Journal Open found that people with a history of periodontal (gum) disease have increased risk of developing a number of other non-dental health problems.

The results of the study showed, in patients with a recorded history of periodontal disease at the start of the study, the increased risk of developing mental ill-health (e.g., depression, anxiety and serious mental illness) was 37%, the risk of developing an autoimmune disease was increased by 33%, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was raised by 18%, and the risk of having a cardiometabolic disorder was increased by 7% (with the increased risk much higher for Type 2 diabetes at 26%).

Taking good care of one’s teeth, gums, and mouth can help prevent disease and infection in the head, neck, heart, lungs, and other organs. And conversely, neglecting dental hygiene can increase one’s risk of severe illnesses in these vital areas. Gum disease is considered to be the most common chronic inflammatory condition in the world. Unfortunately, gum disease is largely “silent,” meaning many do not know when they have it. 

That’s why dental checkups are so important. Don't neglect them. Our healthcare system may consider them separate issues, but your body never got the memo.