The Health Connection – How the Mouth and Body are Interrelated

The Latest Research Shows Serious Health Risks Between Oral Infection And Systemic Disease

The American Dental Association and the American Medical Association, held a joint news conference over three years ago to discuss a serious health risk that needs to be addressed in the dental and medical communities--oral infection and the link to systemic diseases. The ADA announced a national campaign to educate the public about the relationship between oral health and overall health. Unfortunately, little has been done and the vast majority of those with oral infection are unaware of the dangerous health risk.

"Oral health conditions and other health conditions are more closely related than many may once have thought," Dr. Bramson said, "and viewing them as separate matters no longer makes sense."

The conference, "Oral and Systemic Health: Exploring the Connection," addressed periodontal inflammation; diabetes and periodontal disease; oral infections and cardiovascular risk factors; and pregnancy risks and periodontal disease.

Toward a longer healthier life.

While we can’t hope to live forever, a key to a longer, healthier life is to prevent the pre-mature onset of the major threats to a healthy happy life: heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and lung diseases, to name a few. We are now learning that in addition to good nutrition and exercise, keeping your mouth healthy is a vital factor in the equation.

The Oral-Systemic Connection

The mouth is the gateway to the body. We rely on it for daily nutrition and life support, communication, and even expressing our love. Veterinarians will look first into “the horse’s mouth” to assess the overall health of the animal, and over 80 years ago Dr. Charles Mayo, founder of the famed Mayo Clinic, noted that people who keep their teeth live an average of ten years longer than those who lose them. We all know that a tooth infection, or abscess, can affect other parts of the body, and those with heart conditions, or who are about to have heart surgery are treated first with antibiotics before any dentistry is done so that the bacteria from the mouth does not travel through the bloodstream to damage the heart. Because of the fact that the bloodstream is a two-way street, the new factor emerging as most significant to total health.

Dr. Tara Frey and Dr. Scott Parr

A beautiful smile begins with healthy gums. The Center of Dental Medicine also offers complete general and cosmetic dentistry services. We want to provide you a lifetime of beautiful healthy smiles.

For more information on our comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services, click below.

We want to be your partner for a longer healthier life and help you achieve optimal oral health. Call us today and schedule your appointment with Centers of Dental Medicine.

Phone (888) 618-3366