Links Between Oral/Overall Health

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth - making dentists a key player in diagnosis. Consider this:

According to the American Diabetes Association, 90 to 95 percent of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, the onset of which usually occurs after age 45. Bad breath and bleeding gums are often indicators of diabetes. However, only 29 percent of those boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 44 million Americans are at risk for osteoporosis, particularly menopausal and post-menopausal women, yet 97 percent of boomers do not discuss their risk of this debilitating disease with their dentist. Dental x-rays may show the first stages of bone loss.

The American Heart Association reports heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. When people reach the age of 45, their risk of developing heart disease triples. A sore and painful jaw should send a warning signal to older Americans that a heart attack might be looming, but 60 percent of this population did not identify these symptoms as warning signs of a potential heart attack.

While people may lack knowledge about these links, they are not lacking experience with these symptoms. A quarter of boomers reported that they had exhibited one of these telling signs. Knowledge of these symptoms and their potential indications may help boomers recognize a more serious condition.

Dentists are Key Health Care Partners

"As research strengthens the link between oral and overall health, the Academy of General Dentistry encourages baby boomers to pay attention to oral symptoms that may indicate early signs of potentially life-threatening diseases," said Craig Valentine, DMD and member of the Academy's Public Information Council. "Still, knowing about these links isn't enough. Boomers need to take charge of their wellness and discuss these symptoms with their dentist."

According to the Academy's survey, however, the majority of baby boomers do not take advantage of this valuable relationship. While 78 percent of baby boomers say they consider dental care to be part of their preventative health care routine, nearly half (49%) do not visit the dentist every six months as recommended by the Academy. In addition, almost one-third (31%) of baby boomers never go to the dentist or only go in an emergency.

"This survey revealed to the Academy that patients who are at risk for these diseases need to be educated that their mouth can act as a window to their body's overall health, " said Dr. Valentine. "Consumers - in particular, members of the baby boomer generation - who don't visit the dentist every six months may miss important warning signs of a larger health problem. Visiting a dentist twice a year is key to good overall health."

Conversations with Dentist also Crucial for Good Health

Baby boomers who do visit the dentist regularly often fail to discuss their overall health with their dentist. According to the survey, 64 percent do not inform their dentist about their overall health concerns and conditions. Discussion between patient and dentist is crucial because many dental conditions can exacerbate other health problems. For example, research proves that gum disease can complicate a heart condition. However, among the 45- to 64-year-old age group, only one in four knows this important fact.

"As the baby boomer population continues to age, being armed with knowledge specific to their oral health care needs is critical," said Dr. Valentine.

Survey Findings Prompt Academy Action

As a result of the survey findings, the Academy is launching a television public service campaign targeting baby boomers in late June. The campaign details the symptoms that baby boomers should watch for, while reminding them that visiting their dentist is imperative to their overall health. A key message will be: "Today, dentists know that your teeth and gums hold important information about your health. Make it a priority to visit your dentist twice a year." Baby boomers interested in learning more about these links between oral and overall health are encouraged to visit the Academy's Web site (www.agd.org).

About the Academy of General Dentistry

The Academy of General Dentistry is a USA based non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.

About the Survey

The Academy of General Dentistry commissioned Opinion Research Corporation International (ORCI) to conduct the survey. ORCI surveyed 1000 American adults living in private households. The survey carries a confidence factor of plus or minus three percent. Of the 1000 adults surveyed, 296 were adults between the ages of 45 -64. Statistics specifically related to baby boomers carry a confidence factor of plus or minus six percent.

Links Between Oral Health and Overall Health Disease Oral Symptom Background

Diabetes

Bad breath and bleeding gums are often indicators of diabetes. Dry mouth (xerostomia) also may develop, causing increased tooth decay.

Receding gums has been found to occur more frequently in moderate- and poorly-controlled diabetic patients because plaque responds differently in diabetics.

Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to developing oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. And, diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems.

Heart Disease

A sore or painful jaw could indicate an impending heart attack or heart disease.

Gum disease may exacerbate a pre-existing heart condition.

Research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age. New studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks.

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream and travel through the arteries to the heart.

Osteoporosis

Receding gums and bone loss around teeth are key indicators of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis increases the risk factors for tooth loss and periodontal disease.

Dentists may be able to detect the first stages of osteoporosis through dental x-rays. These x-rays have the ability to show the amount of bone loss from year to year, signifying advancing stages of the disease. Dentists will be able to detect some of the early warning signs of osteoporosis by noting advancing gum disease, dentures becoming loose, or ill-fitting dentures that lead to mouth sores and difficulty speaking or eating.