Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

 

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

 Periodontal and Biofilm Diseases of the Mouth Success for the Oral Systemic Practice

 

What is Oral Systemic Health, and How Does Poor Dental Hygiene Cause Disease?

Oral systemic health highlights the critical connections between oral health and overall body health, grounded in extensive research. Poor oral health can lead to numerous systemic health issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.

Understanding Oral Systemic Health

Oral systemic health refers to the growing body of research that demonstrates the link between oral health and overall body health. Numerous studies have shown that poor oral health can contribute to serious health conditions.

15 Key Health Conditions Linked to Oral Systemic Health:

1. Cardiovascular Disease
2. Alzheimer's Disease
3. Periodontal Disease
4. Diabetes
5. High-Risk Pregnancy
6. Cancer
7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
8. Obesity
9. Respiratory Issues
10. Rheumatoid Arthritis
11. Osteoporosis
12. Kidney Disease
13. Prostate/Erectile Dysfunction
14. COVID-19
    
15. Infertility

The mouth serves as a gateway to the rest of the body. Healthcare professionals continue to uncover evidence supporting the oral-systemic link. Symptoms of various health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, can often be detected first in the mouth. Harmful bacteria originating in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to severe systemic conditions.

 

Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Between 80-90% of heart disease can be prevented, and proper dental hygiene is one effective way to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is directly linked to artery inflammation. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing arteries to harden and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Poor oral health is also associated with high blood pressure and dense LDL cholesterol, further elevating cardiovascular risk. Preventing gum disease through proper oral care and regular dental visits is crucial.

Learn more: 

1. Exploring the Connections Between Stroke, Oral Health, and the Role of Oral Systemic Practitioners (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
2. Unintentional Heartbreak: American Heart Month and the Oral Health Connection (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
3. The PD-ACS Perio-Cardio Study: Short-Term Results and Long-Term Implications for Medicine and Dentistry (Core Curriculum)
4. Women and Cardiovascular Disease (Core Curriculum)

2. Alzheimer's Disease

Poor oral health can lead to inflamed gums. Bacteria traveling from the mouth to the brain can kill brain cells, potentially leading to memory loss. Oral bacteria have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Pathogenic oral bacteria called spirochetes have been studied as a potential cause of Alzheimer's disease, with their presence being significantly higher in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Salivary diagnostic testing can detect these oral pathogens.

Learn more:

1. Key Role of Oral Systemic Health in Alzheimer’s by Dale Bredesen, MD (2024 Webinar Series)
   
2. Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Oral Connection/Neurospirochetosis (Core Curriculum) 
3. The Mouth Brain Axis: How Oral Dysbiosis Influences Brain Health (Core Curriculum)

3. Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, many of whom are unaware and undiagnosed. Diabetes increases the risk of infections, including gum infections. Periodontal disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetes complications or increasing the risk of developing diabetes. An estimated 95% of adults with diabetes also have periodontal disease.

Learn more:

1. Tooth Decay and Diabetes: A Connection We Cannot Forget! (Core Curriculum)
2. Diabetes and Detection in the Dental Office (Core Curriculum)
3. Addressing Chronic Diseases from the Dental Chair (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
   

4. High-Risk Pregnancy 

A study by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that women with periodontal disease are six times more likely to give birth prematurely. The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, present in the oral cavity, has been found in the amniotic fluid, placenta, and membranes of preterm birth patients.

Learn more:

1. Preterm Birth and Periodontal Disease (Download Free Resources)
   
   
2. Millennials, Motherhood & Menopause: Considerations in Women’s Health (Core Curriculum)

5. Obstructive sleep apnea and Sleep Disorders

One of the first signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is teeth grinding, which dentists and hygienists should look for in all patients. Grinding can cause cavities or inflamed gums, increasing susceptibility to infection. OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and headaches. Collaboration between medical and dental teams can aid in diagnosis and treatment. 

Learn more:

1. The Adult Airway, Sleep, and the Microbiome (Core Curriculum)
2. Addressing Children's Oral and Airway Health Before the School Year: An Oral Systemic Perspective (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)

6. Respiratory Issues

Poor dental hygiene is connected to a higher risk of respiratory issues. Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, and lung disease. Working with a dentist and medical provider can help reduce infection progression from mouth to lungs.

Learn more:

1. A Trick or "Achoo" for Preventing Caries in Patients with Allergies and Asthma (Core Curriculum)
2. Probiora: The New Axis of Disease (Core Curriculum)

7. Cancer

There is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and cancer, including pancreatic, lung, and blood cancers. Smoking and chewing tobacco further increase the risk of oral cancer, making early detection critical for survival. 

Learn more:

1. When a Dentist Dies of Oral Cancer: The Importance of Early Diagnosis by Parul Makkar, BSC, DDC, FACD (Webinar Series 2024)
   
   
2. Advances in Oral Cancer Detection and the Role of Oral Systemic Practitioners in Prevention (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)
3. Unraveling the Intricacies of the Oral Microbiome and Its Link to Colorectal Cancer (AAOSH Blog with Free Video Learning)

8. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Johns Hopkins University has studied the link between poor oral health and rheumatoid arthritis. Results show a correlation between the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal disease. The inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis patients is similar to that in periodontal disease.

Learn more:

1. Keystone Pathogens of the Human Mouth and Systemic Inflammatory Pathways (Core Curriculum)
2. Your Rheumatologist Wants You to Have a Healthy Mouth (AAOSH Connect Blog)

9. Osteoporosis

Advanced periodontal disease can cause bone loss due to inflammation and infection. Research shows links between periodontal disease and bone density throughout the body. Proper oral hygiene, along with a suitable diet and supplementation, can lower the risk of periodontal disease and bone loss. 

Learn more:

1. Periodontal Pathogens Associated with Osteoarthritis and Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Knee (Core Curriculum)
2. Download AAOSH: Foundations of Oral Systemic Health and the Medical-Dental Connection (Free e-Book Resource)
   

10. Kidney Disease

Poor oral health can lead to inflammation and infection, which travel through the bloodstream and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Kidney disease, another consequence of poor oral health, can also lead to cardiovascular disease. 

Learn more:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease and the Oral Systemic Link (AAOSH Connect Blog with Free Video Learning)

11. Prostate / Erectile Dysfunction

Poor oral health can affect sexual health. Periodontal disease creates infection pockets in the mouth, and bacteria in the bloodstream can cause inflamed blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the genitals. Men with periodontal disease are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. 

Learn more:

1. Download AAOSH's Free Infographics Bundle (Free Resource)

12. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, results from infections and inflammation in the mouth. It decreases the ability to fight infection and inflammation, increasing the risk of severe systemic health consequences. Proper dental care and regular checkups are essential for prevention.

Learn more:

1. The Role of Porphyromonas Gingivalis in the Oral Systemic Connection by Edward J. Zuckerberg, D.D.S., F.A.G.D (Webinar Series 2024)
2. Whole Person, Outcome-Based Periodontal Therapy (Core Curriculum)
   
3. Embracing the Future of Periodontics: Groundbreaking Methods and Materials Revolutionizing Dental Hygiene Practice (Core Curriculum)

13. Obesity

Obesity and oral health share common risk factors, such as diet. A poor diet can harm oral health, affecting overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for optimizing oral health. 

Learn more:

1. Food for Thought: Eating for a Healthy Oral Microbiome by Ellen Karlin, MMSc, RDN, LDN, FADA (Webinar Series 2024)
   
2. The Standard American Diet (SAD) & Effects on Our Whole-Body Health by Mark Cannon, DDS (Free Video)
   
   

14. COVID-19

Periodontal disease and respiratory diseases are linked to systemic inflammation. COVID-19 triggers an inflammatory response, and patients with severe periodontal disease are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications. 

Learn more:

1. Ozone in the Coronavirus Era (Core Curriculum)
   

15. Infertility

Poor oral health can affect fertility. Women with poor oral health may take longer to conceive, and men with poor oral health may have lower sperm counts and reduced sperm motility.

Learn more:

1. An Unknown Cause of Infertility: The Oral Microbiome by Katie Lee, DDS (Webinar Series 2024)
   
   

Preventing Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

Continuing research highlights the importance of prioritizing oral health to prevent systemic diseases. Oral testing can identify risk factors and inflammatory markers for developing periodontal disease. Proper cleaning and regular dental checkups can lower the risk. Seeking an oral-systemic dentist from AAOSH or collaborating with an AAOSH dentist can help manage and prevent periodontal disease. Find AAOSH practitioners here.

 

What’s Better: A Dental Implant or a Bridge?

• Pros and cons
• Costs
• How to choose
• Other treatment options
• Summary

Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69 percentTrusted Source of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth.

When you lose a tooth, it’s essential to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain your facial shape and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants.

Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. They’re usually made from materials like porcelain or plasticTrusted Source to match your natural tooth color. They can cover one or several missing teeth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots usually made from titanium. They’re mounted into your jawbone with screws to hold a crown or bridge in place.

Let’s compare the pros and cons of dental implants and bridges. We’ll also look at factors that can help you determine which option is better for you.

Share on Pinterest

Dental implants are artificial teeth implanted that allow bone to grow around the implant. Dental bridges are used to close the gap between missing teeth using crowns and artificial teeth. Illustration by Wenzdai Figueroa

Dental implant vs. bridge

Dental implants and bridges can both potentially deliver natural-looking results, but they come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at how these two tooth replacement options compare.

Dental bridge pros

• likely to be covered by insurance
• doesn’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery
• usually lower upfront cost than dental implants
• usually requires only two visits to your dentist spread over a couple of weeks

Dental bridge cons

• has to be replaced about every 5 to 7 years (although can last more than 10 years)
• loses a natural-looking appearance with age
• more cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth than with implants
• can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth

Dental implant pros

• can last 15 yearsTrusted Source or more and are the longest lasting option on the market
• retain natural-looking appearance longer than bridges
• don’t damage the healthy teeth around the implant
• very high 10-year success rate, around 97 percentTrusted Source

Dental implant cons

• less likely to be covered by insurance
• process can take up to 6 monthsTrusted Source
• higher upfront cost
• may lead to surgical complications

Implant vs. bridge cost

Dental bridges are generally cheaper upfront than implants and insurance is more likely to cover at least some of the cost. The prices can vary depending on:

• the type of implant or bridge you’re receiving
• the material used
• the extensiveness of the procedure
• where you live

According to the American Dental Association, a low-end dental bridge costs about $500 per tooth while more expensive bridges are up to $1,200. However, this doesn’t include the price of the dental crown that attaches the tooth to your nearby teeth. A crown can be another $500 to $2,500 per tooth.

Dental implants usually cost about $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. Insurance is less likely to cover the cost of implants.

Even though implants cost more upfront, they tend to age better than bridges and don’t need to be replaced as often.

How to choose between an implant and a bridge

A dentist can advise you about the best tooth replacement for your situation. The best option for you depends on your budget, how many teeth you’re missing, and your overall health.

Cost

If you have dental insurance, it’s more likely that it will cover a dental bridge than an implant. If you don’t have insurance and both options are out of your price range, you may want to also talk to a dentist about partial dentures or other options.

Number of missing teeth

If you’re missing more than one consecutive tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant. A separate implant needs to be surgically attached to your jawbone for each missing tooth, leading to expensive and often impractical surgery.

Overall health

Dental implants require surgery, so they may not be an option for people with medical conditions that slow down healing, such as diabetes or leukemia.

The best candidates for dental implants are in good overall health and have a jawbone free of decay that’s healthy enough to support the implant.

Time

The entire process of getting a dental implant can take months while a dental bridge can be installed in two trips to your dentist spread over a couple of weeks.

When getting a dental implant, an oral surgeon will drill into your jawbone and attach the root of the implant to the bone. They may insert a temporary denture while you wait for the bone to heal.

You’ll then have to wait anywhere 2 to 6 monthsTrusted Source for the bone to heal before a crown can be added.

Other options instead of bridges or implants

Bridges and implants aren’t the only options for replacing a lost tooth. Partial dentures and space maintainers may also be used.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are usually made of plastic and metal. They fill gaps from one or several missing teeth.

Partial dentures often resemble your natural teeth and clip to your healthy teeth to stay in place. A dentist may recommend a denture when the teeth surrounding your missing tooth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge.

Although they’re generally cheaper than bridges or implants, they usually aren’t as comfortable or stable. They may also interfere with your eating or speaking and need to be cleaned daily.

Space maintainers

Space maintainers may be an option if you can’t afford to replace your tooth right away. They’re usually built from pieces of metal that prevent the teeth on either side of your missing tooth from shifting.

Space maintainers are also commonly used in children to allow adult teeth to emerge unobstructed.

An orthodontic retainer can also be used to keep the space of missing teeth. This will help keep the surrounding teeth from tipping into the space.

Takeaway

Dental implants and bridges are two options for replacing a missing tooth. Dental bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance and require a smaller upfront cost.

If cost isn’t an issue and you’re in good overall health, dental implants may be the better option since they last longer and don’t damage your surrounding teeth. A dentist can helpyoudetermine which option is best for your situation.

Was this article helpful?

YesNo

Dental Bridge

• Types
• Cost
• Use Case
• Outlook

If you have missing teeth, your dentist can bridge the gaps with dental bridges. A dental bridge is a false tooth (pontic) held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap.

Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically, they’re made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth. Read on to learn more.

Share on Pinterest

Dental bridge types

There are four main types of dental bridges:

• traditional
• cantilever
• Maryland
• implant-supported

Traditional dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth being held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto each of the abutment teeth. A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge and can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth.

Cantilever dental bridge

Although similar to a traditional bridge, the pontic in a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a dental crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.

Maryland dental bridge

Similar to a traditional bridge, Maryland dental bridges employ two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. However, while a traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth.

Like a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge can only be used when you have a natural tooth on each side of the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth.

Implant-supported dental bridge

As the name implies, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position. If one implant for each missing tooth isn’t possible, the bridge may have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.

Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge commonly requires two surgeries:

• one to embed the implants in the jawbone
• a second surgery to place the bridge

It can take a number of months for the procedure to be completely finished.

What does a dental bridge cost?

There are many variables that can affect the price including:

• number of teeth needed to fill the gap
• materials used, such as composite resin, zirconia, or metal alloy covered in resin
• complexity/difficulty of the placement
• additional treatments for other dental issues, such as gum disease
• geographic location

The costs also depend on the type of bridge that you select:

• Traditional or cantilever bridges typically cost $2,000 – $5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.
• Maryland bridges typically cost $1,500 – $2,500 for one pontic with the framework, or wings, attached to the abutment teeth.
• An implant-supported bridge could cost $5,000 – $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.

Dental bridge vs. dental implant

Many dental insurance plans cover bridges, and many now cover implants as well. A dental bridge may need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years, depending on proper care, while implants are considered a permanent solution. There are factors that can reduce the life of all types of bridges, including implants, such as dental hygiene.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

When you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can address those changes, including:

• restoring your smile
• restoring the ability to properly chew
• restoring your speech and pronunciation
• maintaining the shape of your face
• re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
• preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position

Outlook

If you’re missing a tooth or a number of teeth, you have different replacement options to discuss with your dentist. There are many benefits to using dental bridges, and there are many factors — including costs — that you should consider before making a decision.