Oral Health - it has a whole body impact – Dr Wendy Davis ND

Oral Health - it has a whole body impact


While we often think of oral health as simply having healthy teeth, there is growing evidence suggesting that the health of our mouths may have a much broader impact on our well-being. In fact, studies have linked oral health to various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and even cognitive function. 

Good oral health extends beyond having healthy teeth. It includes the health of various structures such as the gums, bones, ligaments, and nerves. It also involves the ability to perform basic functions like speaking, smiling, tasting, chewing, and swallowing. 

Poor oral health, which ranges from mild to severe can impact self-esteem and social development, hinder proper nutrition and growth and most importantly can cause significant issues with our digestion and immune function.

What Conditions Are Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene?

Poor oral hygiene has been associated with a range of systemic conditions, highlighting the potential implications it can have on overall well-being. One notable link is between periodontal diseases, such as gum disease, and cardiovascular health such as high blood pressure and heart health issues.

In addition to cardiovascular health, poor oral hygiene has also been linked to diabetes management. Studies have found that individuals with gum disease may have a higher risk of developing diabetes or experiencing challenges in managing blood sugar levels due to periodontal inflammation potentially affecting blood sugar control Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been associated with poor gut and respiratory health. 

Not only does the oral cavity serves as a gateway to the respiratory system, and the presence of oral infections or inflammation may contribute to respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but any dysbiosis(bad bacteria) in the mouth will impact overall gut health since we swallow multiple times a day therefore transporting those unwanted bacteria into the rest of our digestive system and leading to gut symptoms (gas, bloating, nausea etc) and even autoimmune conditions (eczema, acne, arthritis etc)

Implications for overall well-being are significant when considering the connection between oral hygiene and systemic conditions. Poor oral health can not only impact physical health but also have psychological and social consequences. 

Dental issues can negatively affect self-confidence and quality of life, leading to social and emotional distress. Moreover, poor oral health can influence an individual's dietary intake and nutritional status, potentially leading to malnutrition. 

What can we do to improve our oral health? 

  1. Regular visits to the dentist is generally a no brainer to ensure there are no obvious issues.
  2. Using a clean and gentle anti microbial toothpaste (and avoiding commercial mouth washes) can go a long way to ensuring that there are more good then bad bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride is a hot topic and one that books have been written about, but suffice it to say, I generally recommend using toothpaste that does not contain this hormone disrupting mineral.
  3. Avoiding conventional mouthwash as this kills off most of the bad bacteria in our mouthes, but also wipes out all of the good guys that we do want. Studies have demonstrated that it not only drys out the mouth but can lead to increased halitosis (bad breath) and cavity development! Check out our alcohol free mouthwash here.
  4. Probiotics: There are a number of companies that have developed oral probiotics and toothpastes that contain probiotics, but I find that many people do well by simply taking a broad spectrum probiotic such as ProbioSAP from NFH to ensure that the whole digestive system is well supported.
  5. Oil pulling: this may sound a bit wacky but it works wonders and makes the mouth feel great. An Ayurvedic therapy, oil pulling is easy. Simply put 1 tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth, let it melt, swish it for 3-5 minutes and then spit it out (garbage not down a drain). Coconut oil is naturally anti-microbial and so helps to pull unwanted bacteria out of our mouths, but it also helps to reduce stains on our teeth and supports healthy gums.

I hope this article has highlighted the importance of addressing oral health issues as part of a holistic approach to overall well-being.