Oral-Systemic Connection New York, NY
Many patients are unaware of the oral-systemic link, referring to the link between dental health and the body's overall health . Routine visits with a complete health dentist may act as effective preventive care.
Total health dentistry is available at M.Y. Dental Spa in New York and the surrounding area. We put our patients' safety and comfort first. Call us today at (212) 786-5757 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
The Connection Between Oral and Physical Health
Good oral health is a crucial aspect of overall physical health. While there is no definitive evidence of a causal relationship, research has shown there is a significant association between oral health and general health. Poor dental health can affect overall physical health by causing pain and impacting how people speak, their quality of life, and their well-being.
It is crucial to maintain and care for every part of the body, especially the mouth. Every aspect of the body's health affects other body parts and systems. Good oral health is essential to staying healthy, functioning normally, and avoiding painful and costly health complications.
“What research bridges the gap between physical health and oral health?”
Oral Health and Heart Disease
Though research on the relationship between the two is still ongoing, existing evidence makes it evident that oral health and heart disease are positively correlated. For instance, poor dental hygiene can increase a patient's risk of developing a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, affecting the heart valves. As such, patients with artificial heart valves may particularly benefit from regular visits with a total health dentist.
Furthermore, patients have a two to three times higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event if they have periodontitis. Heart conditions such as atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and hypertension link to periodontal microorganisms. Additionally, there is a positive correlative relationship between tooth loss patterns and coronary artery disease.
“Though research on the relationship between the two is still ongoing, existing evidence makes it evident that oral health and heart disease are positively correlated in some way.”
Effects of Untreated Decay
Not treating dental decay can have costly consequences and long-term adverse effects. Untreated decay can be painful and debilitating in severe cases. Treating decay in its early stages is crucial or patients risk the damage becoming irreversible.
Without the right treatment, decay can lead to teeth and gum infection and even tooth loss. When decay occurs, bacteria can infect a tooth's root and cause an abscess to form. If this infection occurs without proper treatment, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the jaw. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain and even result in death.
“Without the right treatment, decay can lead to teeth and gum infection and even tooth loss.”
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Oral Health and Nutrition
Oral health and diet affect each other directly. What a patient eats will naturally influence the health of the tissues in the mouth, while the health of the mouth will affect the patient's ability to eat. Additionally, excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of developing cavities. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can also increase the risk of erosive tooth wear.
Thus, good oral health is dependent on proper nutrition and healthy eating habits. Patients should avoid natural and added sugars, along with processed starches and low pH-level acids. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and limiting the consumption of between-meal snacks can benefit both a patient's overall and oral health.
“What a patient eats will naturally influence the health of the tissues in the mouth, while the health of the mouth will affect the patient’s ability to eat.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does oral health affect heart health?
Q. How does diet affect overall health?
Q. What systemic conditions are linked to oral health?
Q. What research bridges the gap between physical health and oral health?
Q. What are the effects of untreated dental decay?
People Also Ask
Q. What is OralDNA diagnostic testing?
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. How does medication for diabetes impact oral hygiene?
Q. What is the role of a healthy mouth baseline during an annual wellness visit?
Systemic Conditions Linked to Oral Health
Oral health is linked to a variety of systemic health conditions aside from heart disease. Some of the most prominent include diabetes, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen's syndrome. As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.
For example, diabetes and oral health have a bidirectional relationship — meaning treating one can treat the other. At the same time, diabetes reduces the body's ability to resist infection, thus increasing the patient's risk for gum disease. Research also suggests that poor oral hygiene increases elderly patients' risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation. Patients may become more susceptible to Sjogren's syndrome as a result.
“As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes dental decay?
A. A combination of factors can cause dental decay. Some common factors include oral bacteria, eating and drinking sugary foods and beverages, and failure to clean teeth well.
Q. How can I prevent dental decay?
A. The best way to prevent dental decay is through proper oral hygiene. A good hygiene routine includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing teeth at least once. This will remove plaque and debris that result in decay-causing bacteria to build up.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly develops on teeth. It consists of bacteria that produce acid and, without removal, can harden into tartar. This can eventually cause tooth decay and loss.
Q. What is an abscess?
A. An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops in the teeth or gums. It often forms due to a bacterial infection resulting from poor oral hygiene or an untreated cavity or injury. Abscesses can cause severe pain and require prompt treatment to prevent further oral and overall health complications.
Q. What are the risk factors associated with gum disease?
A. Gum disease happens when an infection occurs in the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Some common risk factors include genetics, smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications, crooked teeth, poorly fitting dental appliances, and broken fillings. Other risks associated with gum disease include pregnancy and complications that cause compromised immunity.
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Dental Terminology
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A healthier life begins with a healthier mouth. We at M.Y. Dental Spa may be able to help. Call us today at 212-786-5757 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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