Stuart’s Blog

Imagine if a wound in your forearm became increasingly swollen and inflamed, yet was left untreated. You might worry that it would eventually affect your health. Well, your oral tissue is equal to the amount of skin between your wrist and elbow … and many scientists believe that gum diseases, like other infections, have the potential to influence the rest of your body.

This is not a new idea. In 1891, The Human Mouth As A Focus of Infection proposed that oral microbes affect overall health. However, in the absence of adequate science, focal theory gradually fell out of favor. Still, the mouth body link regained credibility when newer research was emphasized in the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health in America in 2001. Associations have been made between gum disease and heart and stroke, some cancers, diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, premature deliveries, and toxemia.

The strength and precise nature of these associations are unclear. However, long-term studies and improved research designs that consider factors like age and tobacco use are creating a more complete picture. Your mouth is a complex ecosystem harboring many kinds of bacteria. Viruses and inflammation have also been suggested as possible factors. Thus it appears unlikely that a single “gorillacillin” superdrug will present the solution.

We urge you to maintain your home care routines and your regularly scheduled visits with us to help maintain your optimal oral health.