Fall 2019

How gum disease affects your overall health

Did you know that seeing your dentist is an excellent way to know about the state of your overall health? Research shows that going to the dentist can be the first step to preventing problems in your mouth from affecting the rest of your body.

In an interview with KATU News, Delta Dental of Oregon's Chief Dental Officer, Teri Barichello, and Moda Health's Senior Medical Director, Jim Rickards, talk about the connection between your health and your mouth.

With a growing interest in the connection between the mouth and the body, Dr. Rickards says that it has become common to refer patients that he suspects may have heart disease to their dentist. Dr. Barichello adds that there is a list of medical conditions impacted by periodontal (or gum) disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

How gum disease affects your body

Poor oral health creates an entry point for bacteria that can result in infections in the mouth. This can lead to an immune response and inflammation, which releases chemicals that can impact our gums and teeth, as well as other organs in the body, including our heart and brain.

Controlling harmful inflammation can start in the mouth. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can lower your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. That is why doctors and dentists, like Dr. Rickards and Dr. Barichello, are working together to integrate medical and dental health and bridge the dental divide.

To learn about more Moda Health initiatives, please visit www.modahealthminute.com.