The mouth-body connection

In February 2009, the Mayo Clinic reinforced the connection between oral health and overall health. The first signs of systemic disease may show first in the mouth and oral disease may affect the overall health of the body. Education on this connection may help one understand how improving oral hygiene will ultimately help improve overall health.

The oral cavity is a perfect environment for multiple types of bacteria. Good oral hygiene, including brushing teeth, flossing daily and routine dental visits help to keep these bacteria to a minimal. However, if the bacteria build up and causes gum disease, the bacteria has a perfect link into the bloodstream and into the body.

The overall health also affects the ability of the body to fight the oral bacteria. The saliva has enzymes that destroy bacteria. If the saliva is decreased due to medication or the enzymes are minimal due to system disease, the oral bacteria will be encouraged to grow. This increased oral bacterial may cause dental decay and an increased risk of periodontal disease.

The systemic health may affect other aspects of the mouth. Often, when one is stressed, the oral cavity may become more acidic creating a perfect environment for decay to progress and for oral ulcerations to develop. When the body is weak, the oral defenses weaken. Oral ulcerations and infections are often seen in patients are immunocompromised due to disease such as AIDS/HIV. Medical treatment such as chemotherapy often reduces the body's ability to fight oral infections as well.

Oral health and periodontal disease (gum disease) has been scientifically linked to multiple health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, premature birth, diabetes, osteoporosis and other systemic diseases.

In 1998, American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) launched an effort to educate the public on the link between gum health and overall health. AAP continues to encourage research on the mouth-body connection and promotes treatments to prevent oral disease and encourage overall health. The AAP created a risk assessment test to help one determine if they are at risk for gum disease.

Test out your gum risk assessment at www.perio.org, and begin improving your mouth-body health connection.

Dr. Rashmi (Rush) Bhatnagar, DMD, MPH, can be contacted at (480) 598-5900 or visit www.BellaVistaDentalCare.com.