Diseases Linked to Dental Health Palm Desert, CA
Contrary to popular belief, oral and systemic health are inextricably linked. This oral-systemic link is an essential part of a comprehensive dental care plan. Skilled general dentists make sure to account for any diseases linked to dental health.
General dental care is available at Total Care Dentistry & Implants in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. Our team can provide you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, regardless of any other medical conditions you may have. Call us today at (760) 394-3088 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Causal Factors of Various Mouth Conditions
Unhealthy habits are at the heart of several oral health conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate dental hygiene, poor nutrition, and smoking are just a few of the leading culprits of mouth conditions. Genetics can also contribute — these may be hereditary or attributed to prenatal behaviors.
In most cases, the best line of defense against such factors is a healthy lifestyle. Patients who drink or smoke should cut back as much as possible. However, other causal factors, such as genetics, may be harder to control. As such, it is critical that patients make regular dental visits at least once or twice a year.
A proper oral hygiene routine and overall healthful lifestyle can also help prevent all patients from worsening their conditions. According to Healthline, everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and floss nightly. Make sure to drink enough water and limit sugary and acidic foods.
“A proper oral hygiene routine and overall healthful lifestyle can also help prevent all patients from worsening their conditions.”
Heart Health & Oral Health
As stated by Mayo Clinic, periodontal disease increases a patient‘s risk of developing a heart condition. More specifically, clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke are likely to be associated with any inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria. This is especially true of patients with artificial heart valves.
Inflammation associated with oral bacteria may also cause endocarditis, an infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. Usually, this occurs due to bacteria or other germs spreading from other parts of the body. As the mouth acts as a natural entry point for bacteria, the oral-systemic link here should come as no surprise.
“As stated by Mayo Clinic, periodontal disease increases a patient‘s risk of developing a heart condition.”
The Gut and Immune Systems
Gut Health
The gastrointestinal system is primarily affected by oral health despite having a greater bacterial density than the oral cavity. The Journal of Oral Microbiology study concluded that "severe diseases and genetic susceptibility of the host may promote ectopic colonization of oral bacteria." The intestinal tract is a leading pathway for microbes and bacteria to enter the gut and many other body systems. Good oral hygiene, periodontal therapy, prebiotics, and probiotics may reduce oral bacteria in gastrointestinal disorders.
Immunodeficiencies
Immunodeficiencies refer to over three-hundred diseases that affect the body's defense or immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS and Down syndrome. Many of these diseases are primarily genetic, but malnutrition and poor oral hygiene play a major role. The National Institutes of Health found that "bacterial plaque related periodontal diseases seem particularly sensitive to primary deficiencies in the innate immune system." Since an immunodeficient patient's body defenses are weak, the immune system has difficulty fighting infections and bacteria that enter through the mouth.
“Many of these diseases are primarily genetic, but malnutrition and poor oral hygiene play a major role.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Diseases Linked to Dental Health in Palm Desert, CA
Prenatal Oral Health
Oral healthcare is especially important during the prenatal period, as bacteria can now affect both the mother and the unborn fetus. In one study, women who did not receive dental care proved to be 15% more likely to experience preterm delivery, likely due to infection and inflammation associated with untreated dental disease.
Periodontal disease during pregnancy should be treated with the same severity as any other type of infection. At least one study suggests similarities between oral microbiota and opportunistic pathogens in the lower genital tract that may affect the labor process. Additionally, women with periodontal disease were up to seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small.
“Periodontal disease during pregnancy should be treated with the same severity as any other type of infection.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does oral health affect the gut and immune system?
Q. What causes oral health conditions?
Q. What is the link between heart disease and oral health?
Q. What is the link between oral health and premature births?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Treatments for Those Suffering
Prevention
A basic understanding of the oral-systemic connection is integral in addressing health conditions and their effects on the body. A well-balanced, healthy lifestyle consists of a diet low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables, cutting out all forms of tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and brushing teeth twice daily with an optimal amount of fluoride (1000 to 1500 ppm). Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that protects the tooth's enamel and is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Treatments
Minor treatments, such as cavities and caries, require minimally-invasive treatments that remove the infection or decay and are covered with a filling, crown, or sealant. More invasive procedures, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, extractions, and implants, are performed for gum disease, oral cancers, flap disease, or other severe conditions. The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the more effective and successful the treatment is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diseases Linked to Dental Health
Q. Why is patient education important?
A. We believe that dentist-patient relationships should be collaborative, meaning the patient takes an active part in their own dental care. Many patients do not understand the link between oral health and their systemic health conditions. Fortunately, patient education can empower them to make informed decisions about their dental and general health.
Q. Is there a link between chronic inflammation and periodontal disease?
A. Yes. Chronic gum inflammation is one of the top causes of periodontal diseases. When periodontal disease occurs, it creates pockets between the gums and teeth and fills them with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If left untreated, these pockets become deeper over time, leading the inflammation to spread to other parts of the body.
Q. How does smoking factor into the oral-systemic connection?
A. Tobacco products affect the oral cavity just as they affect all other systems of the body. It allows numerous chemicals to enter the body and also allows bacteria to flow through several other bodily systems. Additionally, it limits saliva flow, which causes bacteria to stick to the teeth and gums. This may lead to plaque and infections.
Q. Can a general dentist identify symptoms of systemic disease during a dental checkup?
A. Many systemic diseases can cause tooth decay and tooth loss. Many are also linked to periodontal disease, which is associated with harmful bacteria linked to various conditions. If your medical, family, or dental history indicates risk factors, our team may recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider for a medical diagnosis. Additionally, we can conduct oral cancer screenings to catch the disease in its early stages and refer you to a specialist for additional treatment.
Q. What is the healthy mouth baseline and what is its role in general dentistry?
A. The healthy mouth baseline is what the mouth should look like when it is in ideal health. We will go over this baseline with you during your initial consultation and compare and contrast it to your own mouth. Then, our team will devise a treatment plan custom-made to your unique needs.
Scan here to view this page, Diseases Linked to Dental Health, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding the link between oral and overall health, call us at 760-394-3088 to set up an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Total Care Dentistry & Implants was established in 1976.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Riverside County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indio, Palm Springs, San Jacinto, Desert Hot Springs, and Twentynine Palms
- CA (License #34506). View License Information and Specifics
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Total Care Dentistry & Implants on mobile
Back to top of Diseases Linked to Dental Health
Related Posts
Four Tips To Prepare For A Dental Cleaning
There are generally no preparations that are required for a dental cleaning. However, there are certain things that you can do to help ensure the visit goes well. This is particularly useful for patients that may have dental anxiety or not know what they should expect for the visit.The best ways to prepare for dental…
How Family Dentists Can Help Ease Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is common among children and adults. Thankfully, a family dentist has tools and techniques to help patients manage their anxiety while completing preventative and restorative dental work. This article will explore dental anxiety, how to manage it, and how to overcome it.Dental anxiety is when a patient feels fearful, stressed, or anxious about…
3 Reasons To Keep A Regular Dental Cleaning Schedule
Regular dental cleaning is a small effort with a payoff that can last a lifetime. This may sound like a bold claim, except that it happens to be true. Read on to learn why routine dental visits are good for your oral health.Routine dental checkups come in two parts. The first half consists of a…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Total Care Dentistry & Implants on mobile