Oral health is an essential component of overall health. The mouth functions as a biological gateway to the rest of the body, and the condition of hard and soft tissues both reflects and influences systemic health.
Clinically, oral health is defined by the absence of dental decay, active gum disease and infection. This, coupled with stable periodontal structures (gums and bone surrounding the teeth), allows for comfort during speech and chewing.
The link between oral health and overall health: What the research says
A growing body of research demonstrates the clear association between oral health and overall health.1 Chronic oral inflammation allows bacteria and inflammatory mediators to enter the bloodstream, contributing to an increase in systemic inflammatory load. This mechanism is central to the observed links between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Other lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and certain medications can further increase risk.
The impact of gum disease on diabetes
Gum disease is particularly significant because it is both common and often progresses silent in its early stages. For example, in individuals with diabetes, poor glycaemic control increases susceptibility to periodontal breakdown and conversely, untreated gum disease can impair metabolic control.2 This bidirectional relationship is just one example that illustrates the close connection between oral and systemic conditions.
How oral disease can affect nutrition, sleep and speech
Beyond systemic inflammation, untreated oral disease can affect nutrition, speech, sleep, and psychological wellbeing. The health and function of the mouth are also closely tied to taste, nutrition, and social interaction, all of which play a significant role in overall wellbeing. Chronic dental pain, infection and missing teeth may reduce food intake, limit dietary variety due to discomfort when eating crunchy fruits and vegetables that provide vital nutrients, and ultimately impair quality of life. 3
The link between oral health and mental health
The psychological impact of poor oral health is also well documented, with strong links to both mental and general health. Oral disease and a lack of confidence in one’s smile can lead to pain, social withdrawal, and reduced self-esteem. Conversely, mental illness and certain medications can adversely affect oral health. These effects may be direct (such as medication induced dry mouth, mucosal lesions, or acid erosion) or indirect as a result chewing difficulties, dental anxiety, or neglect of oral hygiene.4
In summary, maintaining oral health involves not only daily hygiene, but also recognition of early signs such as bleeding gums, mobility, or persistent halitosis (bad breath) which can all be indicators of underlying pathology or inflammation. The mouth is an integral part of the body’s overall health network and protecting oral health is a fundamental step in protecting overall health and wellbeing.
1 Scannapieco, FA & Cantos, A 2016, Oral inflammation and infection, and chronic medical diseases, Journal of Dental Research, vol. 95, no. 7, pp. 715–722.
2 Chapple, ILC, Genco, R & Working Group 2 of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop 2013 updated 2017, Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, vol. 44, suppl. 18, pp. S106–S112.
3 Sheiham, A. and Steele, J. (2001) ‘Does the condition of the mouth and teeth affect the ability to eat certain foods, nutrient and dietary intake and nutritional status amongst older people?’, Public Health Nutrition, 4(3), pp. 797–803.
4 Kisely S. (2016). No Mental Health without Oral Health. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 61(5), 277–282.