New Study Links Dental to Mental Health
Your dental and mental health could be linked, along with a host of other conditions, a new study found, calling the connection between gum disease and chronic illnesses a “substantial public health burden.”

In the study, published in the Dec 19, 2021 issue of the British Medical Journal (BMJ Open), researches assessed 14 years of medical health data to try to find an association between periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis and chronic diseases, including mental illness and cardiovascular autoimmune diseases.

The study was conclusive and indicated there was a link between the two.

Periodontal diseases are the result of infection or inflammation of the gum and bone that support the teeth. Gingivitis is the less severe stage of the disease, while periodontitis can result in bone or teeth loss.
According to Dr. Korinis, “Poor oral health is extremely common, and when it progresses, it can lead to a substantially reduced quality of life, including loss of confidence in your appearance.”

The results of the study on 64,379 adults showed that those with periodontal disease had a higher likelihood of having a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, cardio metabolic disease, autoimmune disease and mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, the study reported.

“Our study demonstrates a significantly increased risk of all mental health illnesses in patients with periodontal disease,” the study stated. “The potential psychological impact of periodontal diseases is an issue that has, up till now been under-reported in the literature.”

Other studies have offered insight about how dental health can affect other parts of the body. In a study earlier this year of 34,000 adults, researchers found those with more tooth loss faced a 48% higher risk of cognitive impairment and 28% higher risk of dementia, McClachy News reported.
According to Dr. Korinis, “This is new and disturbing information, but the good news is that making a decision to engage in your personal and family’s dental health is a smart investment of your time."

It is always better to be proactive in your dental health than reactive. Please call our office and schedule your next exam and hygiene appointment now. We look forward to seeing you.
Please be sure to visit our website at www.bergensmileconfidence.com.