Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene is the Gateway to General Health and Well-Being. The association between routine oral health care practices such as professional dental services and daily self-care measures and their beneficial impacts on overall health and well-being is essential for overall health. On January 13th the Henry M. Goldman: B.U. School of Dental Medicine will join HOCC for our first in-person program in 2025. They will provide  an overview of Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health, Prevention and Treatment Strategies and Dental Health Screenings for participants. 

Our concern is that poor oral health can lead to serious health issues, and bacteria in the mouth which can travel throughout the body and cause problems elsewhere. Below you can review ways oral health affects your overall health, prevention strategies, and oral health and living with HIV.

We want you to know some ways oral health affects overall health:

  • Chronic disease

  • Untreated gum disease can make it harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Poor oral health is associated with forms of cardiovascular disease like coronary artery disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

  • Mental health

  • Dental disease can make mental health challenges worse, and people with poor mental health are more likely to have untreated dental needs.

  • Cancer

  • Tobacco use and alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing oral and head and neck cancers.

  • Bacteria in the mouth can cause pneumonia, lung disease, and other health issues.

Your oral health might play a part in “conditions” such as:

Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.

Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.

Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Certain health conditions also might affect oral health, including:

Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes.

 Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.

Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.

Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include:  eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome. 

HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

Some ways to maintain good oral health include:

  • Drinking fluoridated water

  • Getting dental sealants as a child

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush

  • Gently brushing all sides of your teeth, including the backs, and your tongue

  • Avoiding tobacco use and drinking alcohol in moderation

  • Getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Managing diabetes

  • Preventing dry mouth

  • Acting on any new symptoms, like changes in taste and smell

People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems because HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off infection. Some of the most common oral health problems for people with HIV/AIDS are chronic dry mouth, gum disease (gingivitis), bone loss around the teeth (periodontitis), canker sores, oral warts, fever blisters, thrush (oral candidiasis), hairy leukoplakia (which causes a rough, white patch on the tongue), and tooth decay.

Some common oral health problems associated with HIV include:

  • Dry mouth: A common symptom that can increase the risk of tooth decay and infections. To help with dry mouth, you can try:

  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks

  • Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy

  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

  • Using a humidifier at night

  • Cavities: Also known as tooth decay

  • Gum disease: Also known as gingivitis

  • Bone loss: Also known as periodontitis

  • Thrush: Also known as oral candidiasis

  • Canker sores: Fluid-filled blisters that appear on the outside of the mouth around the lips

  • Oral warts: Also known as oral papilloma’s

  • Fever blisters: Also known as cold sores

  • Kaposi sarcoma: A cancer that causes abnormal tissue to grow in the mouth, nose, throat, or other organs

  • hairy leukoplakia (which causes a rough, white patch on the tongue)

To prevent and treat oral health problems, you can:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

  • Floss once a day, preferably at night

  • See the dentist every six months or more often

  • Avoid smoking, tobacco products, and street drugs

  • Eat a healthy diet

  • Take HIV drugs to stay as healthy as possible

Most common oral health problems associated with HIV are treatable. If you notice any problems, you should talk with your healthcare provider or dentist about what treatment might work for you.

 

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January 13th 

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