15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (2024)

Periodontal and Biofilm Diseases of the Mouth Success for the Oral Systemic Practice

What is Oral Systemic Health, and How Does Poor Dental Hygiene Cause Disease?

Oral systemic health highlights the critical connections between oral health and overall body health, grounded in extensive research. Poor oral health can lead to numerous systemic health issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.

Understanding Oral Systemic Health

Oral systemic health refers to the growing body of research that demonstrates the link between oral health and overall body health. Numerous studies have shown that poor oral health can contribute to serious health conditions.

15 Key Health Conditions Linked to Oral Systemic Health:

  1. Cardiovascular Disease
  2. Alzheimer's Disease
  3. Periodontal Disease
  4. Diabetes
  5. High-Risk Pregnancy
  6. Cancer
  7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  8. Obesity
  9. Respiratory Issues
  10. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  11. Osteoporosis
  12. Kidney Disease
  13. Prostate/Erectile Dysfunction
  14. COVID-19
  15. Infertility

The mouth serves as a gateway to the rest of the body. Healthcare professionals continue to uncover evidence supporting the oral-systemic link. Symptoms of various health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, can often be detected first in the mouth. Harmful bacteria originating in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to severe systemic conditions.

Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

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1. Cardiovascular Disease

Between 80-90% of heart disease can be prevented, and proper dental hygiene is one effective way to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is directly linked to artery inflammation. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing arteries to harden and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Poor oral health is also associated with high blood pressure and dense LDL cholesterol, further elevating cardiovascular risk. Preventing gum disease through proper oral care and regular dental visits is crucial.

Learn more:

  1. Exploring the Connections Between Stroke, Oral Health, and the Role of Oral Systemic Practitioners (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
  2. Unintentional Heartbreak: American Heart Month and the Oral Health Connection (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
  3. The PD-ACS Perio-Cardio Study: Short-Term Results and Long-Term Implications for Medicine and Dentistry (Core Curriculum)
  4. Women and Cardiovascular Disease (Core Curriculum)

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (2)2. Alzheimer's Disease

Poor oral health can lead to inflamed gums. Bacteria traveling from the mouth to the brain can kill brain cells, potentially leading to memory loss. Oral bacteria have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Pathogenic oral bacteria called spirochetes have been studied as a potential cause of Alzheimer's disease, with their presence being significantly higher in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Salivary diagnostic testing can detect these oral pathogens.

Learn more:

  1. Key Role of Oral Systemic Health in Alzheimer’s by Dale Bredesen, MD (2024 Webinar Series)

  2. Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Oral Connection/Neurospirochetosis (Core Curriculum)
  3. The Mouth Brain Axis: How Oral Dysbiosis Influences Brain Health (Core Curriculum)

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3. Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, many of whom are unaware and undiagnosed. Diabetes increases the risk of infections, including gum infections. Periodontal disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetes complications or increasing the risk of developing diabetes. An estimated 95% of adults with diabetes also have periodontal disease.

Learn more:

  1. Tooth Decay and Diabetes: A Connection We Cannot Forget! (Core Curriculum)
  2. Diabetes and Detection in the Dental Office (Core Curriculum)
  3. Addressing Chronic Diseases from the Dental Chair (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)

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4. High-Risk Pregnancy

A study by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that women with periodontal disease are six times more likely to give birth prematurely. The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, present in the oral cavity, has been found in the amniotic fluid, placenta, and membranes of preterm birth patients.

Learn more:

  1. Preterm Birth and Periodontal Disease (Download Free Resources)

    15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (5)

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5. Obstructive sleep apnea and Sleep Disorders

One of the first signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is teeth grinding, which dentists and hygienists should look for in all patients. Grinding can cause cavities or inflamed gums, increasing susceptibility to infection. OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and headaches. Collaboration between medical and dental teams can aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more:

  1. The Adult Airway, Sleep, and the Microbiome (Core Curriculum)
  2. Addressing Children's Oral and Airway Health Before the School Year: An Oral Systemic Perspective (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)

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6. Respiratory Issues

Poor dental hygiene is connected to a higher risk of respiratory issues. Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, and lung disease. Working with a dentist and medical provider can help reduce infection progression from mouth to lungs.

Learn more:

  1. A Trick or "Achoo" for Preventing Caries in Patients with Allergies and Asthma (Core Curriculum)
  2. Probiora: The New Axis of Disease (Core Curriculum)

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7. Cancer

There is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and cancer, including pancreatic, lung, and blood cancers. Smoking and chewing tobacco further increase the risk of oral cancer, making early detection critical for survival.

Learn more:

  1. When a Dentist Dies of Oral Cancer: The Importance of Early Diagnosis by Parul Makkar, BSC, DDC, FACD (Webinar Series 2024)

  2. Advances in Oral Cancer Detection and the Role of Oral Systemic Practitioners in Prevention (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
  3. Unraveling the Intricacies of the Oral Microbiome and Its Link to Colorectal Cancer (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (9)

8. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Johns Hopkins University has studied the link between poor oral health and rheumatoid arthritis. Results show a correlation between the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal disease. The inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis patients is similar to that in periodontal disease.

Learn more:

  1. Keystone Pathogens of the Human Mouth and Systemic Inflammatory Pathways (Core Curriculum)
  2. Your Rheumatologist Wants You to Have a Healthy Mouth (AAOSH Connect Blog)

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9. Osteoporosis

Advanced periodontal disease can cause bone loss due to inflammation and infection. Research shows links between periodontal disease and bone density throughout the body. Proper oral hygiene, along with a suitable diet and supplementation, can lower the risk of periodontal disease and bone loss.

Learn more:

  1. Periodontal Pathogens Associated with Osteoarthritis and Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Knee (Core Curriculum)
  2. Download AAOSH: Foundations of Oral Systemic Health and the Medical-Dental Connection (Free e-Book Resource)

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (11)

10. Kidney Disease

Poor oral health can lead to inflammation and infection, which travel through the bloodstream and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Kidney disease, another consequence of poor oral health, can also lead to cardiovascular disease.

Learn more:

  1. Chronic Kidney Disease and the Oral Systemic Link (AAOSH Connect Blog with Free Video Learning)

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (12)

11. Prostate / Erectile Dysfunction

Poor oral health can affect sexual health. Periodontal disease creates infection pockets in the mouth, and bacteria in the bloodstream can cause inflamed blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the genitals. Men with periodontal disease are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Learn more:

  1. Download AAOSH's Free Infographics Bundle (Free Resource)

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12. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, results from infections and inflammation in the mouth. It decreases the ability to fight infection and inflammation, increasing the risk of severe systemic health consequences. Proper dental care and regular checkups are essential for prevention.

Learn more:

  1. The Role of Porphyromonas Gingivalis in the Oral Systemic Connection by Edward J. Zuckerberg, D.D.S., F.A.G.D (Webinar Series 2024)
  2. Whole Person, Outcome-Based Periodontal Therapy (Core Curriculum)
  3. Embracing the Future of Periodontics: Groundbreaking Methods and Materials Revolutionizing Dental Hygiene Practice (Core Curriculum)

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13. Obesity

Obesity and oral health share common risk factors, such as diet. A poor diet can harm oral health, affecting overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for optimizing oral health.

Learn more:

  1. Food for Thought: Eating for a Healthy Oral Microbiome by Ellen Karlin, MMSc, RDN, LDN, FADA (Webinar Series 2024)
  2. The Standard American Diet (SAD) & Effects on Our Whole-Body Health by Mark Cannon, DDS (Free Video)

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14. COVID-19

Periodontal disease and respiratory diseases are linked to systemic inflammation. COVID-19 triggers an inflammatory response, and patients with severe periodontal disease are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

Learn more:

  1. Ozone in the Coronavirus Era (Core Curriculum)

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15. Infertility

Poor oral health can affect fertility. Women with poor oral health may take longer to conceive, and men with poor oral health may have lower sperm counts and reduced sperm motility.

Learn more:

  1. An Unknown Cause of Infertility: The Oral Microbiome by Katie Lee, DDS (Webinar Series 2024)

Preventing Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

Continuing research highlights the importance of prioritizing oral health to prevent systemic diseases. Oral testing can identify risk factors and inflammatory markers for developing periodontal disease. Proper cleaning and regular dental checkups can lower the risk. Seeking an oral-systemic dentist from AAOSH or collaborating with an AAOSH dentist can help manage and prevent periodontal disease. Find AAOSH practitioners here.

Learn More With AAOSH

The American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health offers free resources, including an infographics bundle, that you can download and share with your patients. Click here to download these resources.

AAOSH also offers a 14-category Core Curriculum for members, which provides information on multiple areas of linked systemic diseases, treatment options, and best practices for medical-dental collaboration. To learn more, click here.

Sign Up for one of our upcoming AAOSH day-long virtual learning events, where you can earn up to 6 CE/CME from the comfort of your home or office! Use the code LEARN30 at check out to save 30% on our upcoming LIVE 2024 and 2025 Virtual Events.

References

1. Li, X., Kolltveit, K. M., Tronstad, L., & Olsen, I. (2000). Systemic Diseases Caused by Oral Infection. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 13(4), 547–558.

2. Dietrich, T., Sharma, P., Walter, C., Weston, P., & Beck, J. (2013). The epidemiological evidence behind the association between periodontitis and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(s14), S70-S84.

3. Kholy, K. E., Genco, R. J., & Van Dyke, T. E. (2015). Oral infections and cardiovascular disease. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 26(6), 315-321.

4.Dominy, S. S., Lynch, C., Ermini, F., Benedyk, M., Marczyk, A., Konradi, A., ... & Zhan, L. (2019). Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer's disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Science Advances, 5(1), 3333.

5. Kamer, A. R., Pirraglia, E., Tsui, W., Rusinek, H., Vallabhajosula, S., Mosconi, L., ... & de Leon, M. J. (2015). Periodontal disease associates with higher brain amyloid load in normal elderly. Neurobiology of Aging, 36(2), 627-633.

6. Preshaw, P. M., Alba, A. L., Herrera, D., Jepsen, S., Konstantinidis, A., Makrilakis, K., & Taylor, R. (2012). Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. Diabetologia, 55(1), 21-31.

7. Engebretson, S. P., & Kocher, T. (2013). Evidence that periodontal treatment improves diabetes outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(s14), S153-S163.

8. Offenbacher, S., Katz, V., Fertik, G., Collins, J., Boyd, D., Maynor, G., ... & Beck, J. (1996). Periodontal infection as a possible risk factor for preterm low birth weight. Journal of Periodontology, 67(suppl 10s), 1103-1113.

9. Boggess, K. A., Beck, J. D., Murtha, A. P., Moss, K., Offenbacher, S., & Madianos, P. N. (2005). Maternal periodontal disease in early pregnancy and risk for a small-for-gestational-age infant. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 193(3), 761-767.

10.Sanders, A. E., Slade, G. D., & Fitzsimmons, T. R. (2004). Tooth loss and periodontal disease in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Journal of Dental Research, 83(7), 525-530.

11. Martelli, M. L., Brandi, M. L., Martelli, M., Nobili, P., & Medardo, M. (2017). Mini-review: the use of nutraceuticals to counteract the inflammation in periodontitis and metabolic syndrome. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 1393.

12. Garcia, R. I., & Henshaw, M. M. (1996). Relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health. Periodontology 2000, 10(1), 121-135.

13. Gaeckle, N. T., Pragman, A. A., Pendleton, K. M., Baldomero, A. K., & Criner, G. J. (2020). The oral-lung axis: the impact of oral health on lung health. Respiratory Care, 65(8), 1211-1220.

14. Oguz, F., Eltas, A., Beytur, A., Akdemir, E., & Uslu, M. Ö. (2012). Is there a relationship between chronic periodontitis and erectile dysfunction? The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(1), 312-318.

15. Bdj Team. (2021). Gum disease linked to COVID-19 complications. BDJ Team, 8(4), 5.

16. Chung, K. K., & Wei, J. (2018). Oral health and fertility: Is there an association? Oral Diseases, 24(6), 936-943.

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene (2024)
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