Yes, it will! One of our favorite sayings at Willo is "oral health for total health.” Research has shown that oral health is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more. The link to diabetes has been known for quite some time, and it’s a relationship that is called “bi-directional.” In other words, diabetes can worsen oral health but poor oral health can also have a negative influence on controlling diabetes. (1) That’s why it’s so important that individuals with diabetes maintain excellent oral hygiene.
We are learning more and more about the link to cardiovascular disease, but think of it this way: the mouth is connected to the body, so inflammation in the mouth (like gum disease) can cause inflammation throughout the body and impact the heart.(2) Studies have even shown that mouth bacteria have been found in heart valves and arteries.(3) Why is this important? Because these bacteria are toxins to the body causing it to work overtime to reduce them, thus increasing inflammation and burden on the heart and cardiovascular system.
Other links to oral health – especially gum health – that have been explored are adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory conditions, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and more (even erectile dysfunction!) (4) We keep learning more about these possible connections, so be sure to ask your oral health professional what the latest research is showing. And remember….oral health for total health!
[1] Mouth Healthy – Diabetes and Your Smile. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes
[2] Harvard Heart Letter. Gum disease and heart disease: the common thread. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread
[3] Harvard Health Publishing. Heart disease and oral health: role of oral bacteria in heart plaque. https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health
[4] American Academy of Periodontology. Gum disease and other systemic diseases. https://www.perio.org/consumer/other-systemic-diseas