Our dental health is very closely interconnected with the overall health of our bodies. Taking care of our oral health is vital for our wellbeing.
Last week we discussed the interconnections between the cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory systems and dental health. This week we will continue the discussion on some of the other systems that can be affected by our dental health. These include:
Reproductive system
Our oral health can impact pregnancy and fertility. Oral infections and chronic gum inflammation can affect pregnancy outcomes. They have been linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Periodontitis may also contribute to male infertility. Women with gum disease are up to 7 times more likely to deliver prematurely.
Musculoskeletal system
Our gum health is also linked to our bone and joint health through shared inflammatory pathways and immune responses. The bacteria from gum disease bacteria can trigger or worsen autoimmune joint damage in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Chronic inflammation also accelerates bone loss, affecting our jaw and systemic bone density.
Digestive system
The mouth is the first stage of digestion. Poor oral health impacts both chewing efficiency and microbiome balance. Missing teeth or pain can cause impaired chewing, which can lead to poor nutrient absorption. Oral pathogens may disrupt gut microbiome balance, contributing to IBS, leaky gut, or inflammatory bowel diseases.
Nervous system
Our nervous systems comprise our brains and nerves. Bacteria and inflammatory molecules may cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to neuroinflammation. Chronic oral infections can be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cognitive decline.
Immune system
Our mouths are a frontline barrier of the immune system. Chronic oral infections keep our immune systems in constant activation and chronic oral infections burden the immune system, leaving fewer resources to fight other illnesses. This can lead to a systemic immune burden, which can cause fatigue, can delay recovery from surgeries and increase systemic infection risk and put us at a higher risk of secondary infections. lower healing. It also increases our susceptibility to autoimmune flare-ups.
Protective strategies include:
- Daily brushing & flossing.
- Regular dental check-ups.
- Consuming a balanced diet that is low in added sugars, and rich in minerals and vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake which are major risk factors for gum disease and oral cancer.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 18 September 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.