Mouth-Body Connection

Recently Answered

• QDoes low calcium cause oral health problems in women?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A RealAge answered

  Low calcium levels are uncommon in women, but when it happens, calcium deficiency may be related to inflammation of gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Nursing mothers, menopausal women, women who are very athletic, and women with lactose intolerance may be at risk of not getting enough calcium in their diets. Also, vegetarians are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D or calcium, which might increase the risk of decay and periodontal disease. Vegetarians may have low calcium levels if they consume a lot of plant products that have phytic and oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption in the body. Low calcium can also cause muscle cramps, fatigue, lack of appetite, abnormal heart rhythms and numbness in the extremities.

  Be sure to get enough calcium in your diet and/or with supplements, but don't overdo it. There can be serious health risks if you supplement with too much calcium. This can cause a blood condition called hypercalcemia that can harm your kidneys. If you take too much calcium, your body might not be able to absorb other minerals that you need. Most of the time, however, hypercalcemia is due to thyroid problems. The US Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that women take no more than 2,500 mg of calcium a day.

• QHow are oral health problems associated with general health?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. For example, systemic diseases -- those that affect the entire body, such as diabetes, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Sjogren's syndrome -- may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems.
  
  The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of periodontal disease that can cause tooth loss) is linked with other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering preterm and/or low-birth-weight infants.
• QIs there a link between periodontal disease and other health problems?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. However, saying that two conditions are associated is not the same as saying that one causes the other. It only means that some studies have shown that more people with gum disease experience one of the conditions mentioned above than people without gum disease. This finding could be the result of another factor, like smoking. For example, people who smoke are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer as well as gum disease. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish whether a cause-and-effect relationship exists and to determine if, or how, treating gum disease may affect your overall health.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat can my teeth tell me about my health?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Your teeth, in addition to helping with a wide range of tasks and with chewing, are also a very clear marker of your health. If your gums are inflamed, your teeth are falling out, or your teeth are getting ground like fresh pepper from wear and tear, then those problems can affect and reflect the health and wellbeing of your entire body.

  See All 4 Answers
• QHow does oral health affect the body?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Your oral health can impact your overall health. Not taking care of your mouth and teeth can lead to other problems. Some examples include:
  
  The American Heart Association published a Statement in April 2012 supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Many studies show an as-yet-unexplained association between gum disease and several serious health conditions, including heart disease, even after adjusting for common risk factors.
  
  Treating gum disease in people with diabetes can help improve blood sugar control.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat causes oral health problems?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Oral health problems are caused primarily by not brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. Maintaining a healthy diet is also important. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easy to treat.

  See All 4 Answers
• QAre oral health problems life threatening?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Yes, some oral health problems can lead to life-threatening conditions. For instance, mouth and throat cancer can be life-threatening and can cause serious problems. This is why oral health matters. While everyone loves having a nice smile, it's important to see a dentist regularly so they can examine your mouth, not only for cavities, but for other health conditions as well.

  See All 4 Answers
• QAre oral health problems serious?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Some oral health problems can be serious. Diseases that affect the tissue supporting your teeth can be mild or severe. If untreated the more mild form (gingivitis) can turn more severe and can be destructive, leading to loss of teeth. Use of tobacco products can lead to increased risk for oral cancer, which can cause pain, difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue. Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to cavities, requiring fillings or other problems. Your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easy to treat.

  See All 3 Answers
• QHow do other illnesses affect oral health?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Other illnesses can affect your oral health. Bone loss in the jaw due to osteoporosis can require oral surgery to correct. HIV/AIDS may cause mouth lesions that need to be treated by a dentist. The first symptoms of diseases such as cancer, gonorrhea, Sjogren's syndrome, and syphilis often appear in the mouth. Patients with cardiovascular disease should pay particular attention to their oral health, because gum infections can have serious heart-related complications. Diabetes can make oral healthcare challenging, first because diabetes is a risk factor for gum disease, and second, because gum disease can make diabetes more difficult to control.

• QWhat problems are associated with crooked teeth and misaligned bites?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  An abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked can lead to teeth grinding, or bruxism. And doing so can lead to:

  • dull headaches
  • jaw soreness
  • teeth that are painful or loose
  • fractured teeth

  See All 3 Answers