Your mouth, the window into your overall health: How oral health supports systemic well-being
At the Periodontal Center of Georgia, our specialists in Conyers appreciate the many connections between the health of your “oral cavity” (mouth) and the health of your body. It’s a two-way street; healthy oral tissues promote the health of even distant bodily systems and organs, whereas damaged or diseased tissues hinder the health of other systems and organs. After all, your mouth does not exist on an island. It is a part of your larger “system” (body) and can influence as well as be influenced by other linked parts.
So, do healthy teeth support a healthy body?
It’s not just about the teeth, and it’s not just about the physical health of your body. In fact, as a periodontist, Dr. Jean-Max Jean-Pierre is an expert in understanding and treating conditions of the supportive tissues of the teeth and mouth. We strive to keep the gums, bones in the jaw, jaw joints, the lining of the mouth, tongue, lips, salivary glands, muscles, and other tissues in top shape. For this reason, comprehensive evaluations largely involve assessing the condition of the TM joints or jaw joints and structures of the neck to guard against oral and pharyngeal cancers and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJDs). It’s also important to note that since these structures facilitate so many basic functions, they affect not only your overall physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. Persistent pain can dwarf your day-to-day routines, impaired chewing function can steal the joy you get from eating certain foods, and damaged teeth and gums can make you feel less than your best about how you look.
How can problems with the gums affect my body?
Gum disease not only threatens the health of the teeth, which can lead to some of the functional and cosmetic challenges listed above, but it is also linked to an increased risk of certain systemic conditions. Advanced gum disease or periodontitis can also make it more challenging to manage existing diagnosed conditions. Research has implicated gum disease in cardiovascular conditions (heart disease, stroke, heart attack), Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, poor diabetes control, arthritis, and pregnancy complications (premature births and babies of low birth weight).
Why is gum disease associated with these systemic conditions?
The link between oral and systemic problems appears to be the actual mouth bacteria and inflammation associated with advanced periodontitis. It’s believed persistent, severe inflammation enters the bloodstream, slowly damaging blood vessels in the heart and brain. Other systemic threats are presented by dental abscesses or mouth infections.
How can oral infections affect other parts of my body?
These infections do not always “stay put” or “localized.” They can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Without proper and prompt treatment, the bacterial infection in the mouth can spread to the face, jaw, and even distant structures and organs. Sepsis is a potentially deadly systemic infection, and the very young (or very old) and those with poor immune system function are at particular risk.
Can some changes to my mouth be red flags for certain diseases?
Yes! Here is yet another connection between the mouth and your system. Oral problems can contribute to systemic disease and be symptomatic of underlying conditions. For instance, diabetics are at increased risk of developing gum disease, and swollen gums and mouth sores may accompany certain GI disorders. Additionally, the medications used to manage diseases have been linked to periodontal damage, mouth ulcers, depressed saliva function, and more.
Why should I partner with the Periodontal Center of Georgia?
It’s helpful to choose a specialist with such a “big picture” approach to caring for your mouth and the rest of you. Otherwise, some important facets related to your needs and health may be missed when you take a narrower view. So, in addition to our complete and advanced periodontal services, we also provide nutritional counseling and Oral DNA Testing/Saliva Testing to stay ahead of problems and/or resolve them quickly before they cause damage that can affect every aspect of your life. For more information, we encourage you to contact our team in Conyers at (770) 767-0603 today.
