20/03/2025
The Oral-Systemic Connection: Your Mouth’s Role in Whole-Body Health
When was the last time you thought about how your oral health affects your heart, brain, or even your healthier lifespan?
How Your Mouth Affects Your Body
🫀 Heart & Blood Vessels
P. gingivalis bacteria invade arteries, increasing stroke risk by 2.8x
🦠 Gut & Digestion
Oral bacteria like F. nucleatum migrate to the gut, worsening IBD and colorectal cancer.
Found in 45% of IBD patients’ f***l samples.
🧠 Brain & Memory
P. gingivalis produces neurotoxins linked to 96% of Alzheimer’s brain samples (Science Advances, 2019).
Gum disease doubles dementia risk.
🌬️ Lungs & Immunity
Oral bacteria cause hospital-acquired pneumonia in ICU patients.
Improved oral care reduces pneumonia by 40%
🍬 Diabetes & Metabolism
Gum disease worsens insulin resistance via TNF-α.
Treating periodontitis lowers HbA1c by 0.6%, similar to adding a diabetes drug (Diabetes Care,
🤰 Pregnancy & Hormones
Gum disease raises preterm birth risk 7x.
Estrogen changes heighten gum inflammation, making dental care vital during pregnancy.
How to Improve Oral & Systemic Health
✔️ Brush & Floss Daily – Essential for reducing harmful bacteria.
✔️ Eat Smart – Cut sugars, eat polyphenol-rich foods (green tea, berries).
✔️ Regular Dental Visits – Cleanings lower inflammation affecting the heart, brain, and metabolism.
✔️ Salivary Testing – Detects markers of diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease.
✔️ Manage Stress & Sleep – Reduces bruxism, dry mouth, and inflammation.