The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Health: Why Oral Surgery Matters

In today's health-conscious world, we often focus on diet, exercise, and regular check-ups to maintain our well-being. However, oral health is a crucial aspect of health that is often overlooked.

The connection between oral health and systemic health is more significant than you might think, and oral surgery plays a pivotal role in this relationship.

“While oral health affects our ability to do things like eat, speak, and smile, oral health is also connected to our overall health,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “For example, poor periodontal (gum) health can worsen glycemic control (blood sugar level) in people living with diabetes. A growing number of studies show that people living with certain chronic conditions more often have untreated oral diseases or conditions.”

From diabetes to cardiovascular disease to respiratory issues, oral surgery can help prevent or treat conditions that impact overall health.

“The mouth has been described as a mirror of the health in the rest of the body and can be a social indicator Some social indicators include stress levels indicated by bruxism, overall health status, and oral health literacy,” says a paper published in the International Dental Journal. “Amongst the systemic diseases are HIV, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and respiratory diseases. This reinforces the idea that oral health is closely tied to overall health.”

Let's examine why oral surgery matters and how it can impact your overall health.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Your mouth is more than just a gateway for food and drink. It's a complex ecosystem teeming with bacteria, both beneficial and harmful.

“What goes on in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. What goes on in your body also can have an effect on your mouth,” says Aetna.

When oral health is compromised, it can have far-reaching effects on your entire body. Aetna points out the following:

• If you have gum disease, you are more likely to become diabetic.
  
  
• People who already have diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease. Having gum disease can make your blood sugar harder to control.
  
  
• People with gum disease may be more likely to have heart attacks or strokes.
  
  
• Poor oral health - untreated tooth decay, missing teeth, gum disease - can lead to unhealthy diet choices. And a poor diet can increase your risk for infection and illness.
  
  
• Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have a preterm (premature) birth, compared with women who have healthy gums.
  
  
• Pregnant women who care for their mouths - by having cavities taken care of and by brushing and flossing regularly- are less likely to pass on cavity-causing bacteria to their babies.
  
  

This is where oral surgery becomes a critical component of not just dental care, but overall healthcare.

Oral surgery plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by addressing oral conditions that can impact systemic health. The connection between oral health and systemic health is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of preventive medicine and holistic healthcare.

Here's how oral surgery can help prevent or treat conditions that affect overall health:

Cardiovascular Health: The Heart of the Matter

One of the most striking connections between oral health and systemic health is the link to cardiovascular disease.

Research has shown that poor oral health, particularly periodontal disease, is associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

“For me, it's been one of the more surprising observations in recent years: study after study has shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health,” wrote Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.

But how does oral surgery factor into this equation?

• Treating Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease often requires surgical intervention. By addressing this condition, oral surgeons can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues. Periodontal surgery helps eliminate the pockets of bacteria that form around teeth, reducing inflammation and the likelihood of these bacteria entering the bloodstream.
  
  
• Removing Infected Teeth: Chronic oral infections can contribute to systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for heart disease. When a tooth is severely infected and beyond repair, extraction becomes necessary. By removing these sources of infection, oral surgeons help reduce the overall inflammatory burden on the body.
  
  
• Reducing Bacterial Load: Many oral surgical procedures aim to eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth. This reduction in bacterial load can potentially lower the risk of these pathogens entering the bloodstream and affecting heart valves or blood vessels.
  
  

Diabetes Management: A Two-Way Street

The relationship between diabetes and oral health is bidirectional. Diabetes can increase the risk of oral health problems, and conversely, poor oral health can make diabetes more difficult to control.

“Diabetes has been unequivocally confirmed as a major risk factor for periodontitis. The risk of periodontitis is increased by approximately threefold in diabetic individuals compared with non-diabetic individuals,” says the research paper “Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship”. “Oral health should be promoted in people with diabetes as an integral component of their overall diabetes management.”

Oral surgery plays a crucial role in managing this complex interaction.

• Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to severe gum disease. Surgical treatment of periodontitis can help improve glycemic control in diabetic patients. By eliminating deep pockets of infection and inflammation, oral surgeons can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Addressing Oral Infections: Prompt surgical intervention for oral infections is crucial for diabetic patients. These infections can lead to poor glycemic control and other complications. Oral surgeons work to quickly identify and treat these infections, often through surgical means, to prevent systemic complications.
  
  
• Restoring Proper Dental Function: Oral surgeries that restore proper dental function, such as dental implant procedures, can help diabetic patients maintain a healthy diet. This is crucial for managing their condition and overall health.
  
  

Respiratory Health: Breathing Easy

The connection between oral health and respiratory issues is often overlooked, but it's a significant aspect of the oral-systemic health relationship.

“The link between oral bacteria and respiratory infections is well documented. Dental plaque has the potential to be colonized by respiratory pathogens and this, together with micro-aspiration of oral bacteria, can lead to pneumonia particularly in the elderly and critically ill. The provision of adequate oral care is therefore essential for the maintenance of good oral health and the prevention of respiratory complications,” says a paper published in Critical Care.

Oral surgery can impact respiratory health in several important ways.

• Reducing Aspiration Risk: Surgical correction of oral structural issues or removal of problematic teeth can decrease the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This is particularly important for older adults or immunocompromised patients who are at higher risk for respiratory infections.
  
  
• Treating Chronic Sinusitis: Some cases of chronic sinusitis have an odontogenic origin, meaning they stem from dental issues. Oral surgeries to address these dental problems can help resolve persistent sinus issues, improving overall respiratory health.
  
  
• Improving Oral Hygiene: Surgical interventions that make maintaining oral hygiene easier, such as extracting unrepairable teeth, can reduce the bacterial load in the mouth. This potentially decreases the risk of respiratory infections, as fewer harmful bacteria are present to be inhaled into the lungs.
  
  

Beyond Specific Conditions: Overall Health Impact

The benefits of oral surgery extend beyond these specific conditions. Here are some additional ways oral surgery contributes to overall health:

• Reducing Systemic Inflammation: By addressing sources of chronic oral inflammation, oral surgery can potentially lower systemic inflammatory markers. This is significant because chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, including certain cancers and autoimmune disorders.
  
  
• Improving Nutrition: Surgical restoration of proper dental function can enhance a patient's ability to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This is crucial for overall health and can have positive impacts on everything from immune function to mental health.
  
  
• Preventing Spread of Infection: Timely surgical intervention for oral infections can prevent their spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, untreated oral infections can lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis or brain abscesses.
  
  
• Enhancing Quality of Life: While not directly related to physical health, the psychological benefits of oral surgery shouldn't be overlooked. Procedures that improve appearance or function can boost self-esteem and overall quality of life, which in turn can have positive effects on mental and physical health.
  
  

The Importance of Timely Intervention

Given the significant impact oral health can have on overall health, it's crucial to address oral health issues promptly.

Regular dental check-ups can help identify potential problems early, but when surgical intervention is necessary, it's important not to delay.

Oral surgeons are specialists trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health issues. They work closely with general dentists and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care that considers both oral and systemic health.

While understanding the connection between oral health and systemic health is the first step, the next is taking action to maintain good oral health and address any issues that arise. This includes:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
• Attending regular dental check-ups.
• Addressing oral health issues promptly.
• Seeking specialist care when necessary.

Remember, your oral health is an integral part of your overall health. By taking care of your mouth, you're taking care of your entire body.

When it comes to oral surgery and comprehensive oral care, Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help We understand the crucial link between oral health and overall health, and we're committed to helping you achieve optimal wellness through expert oral surgical care.