How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health?

There is a very strong connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your body. Study after study has drawn a relationship between increased risks of a number of severe health conditions and poor dental and periodontal health. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Daniel Lauer, is committed to advanced procedures that can help patients renew the strength of their gums and reduce risks to their overall systemic health. Dr. Lauer is also known for his emphasis on successful diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer and other oral pathologies, and offers routine screenings to identify any irregularities.

Dr. Lauer is a board-certified periodontist who has been specialty-trained in laser gum treatment. Although many general dentists offer a range of periodontal care options, a periodontal specialist dedicates his entire career to treating conditions of the gums and combines advanced treatment techniques with years of experience in this particular area of expertise.

The following section of our website is dedicated to exploring the connections between gum disease and overall health, as well as topics on oral pathology and oral cancer. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral evaluation, please contact Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today.

What Diseases Are Connected to Poor Oral Health?

Gum Disease and Health Conditions
Diabetes and Oral Health
Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease
Oral Cancer and Pathology
Chemotherapy and Oral Health Changes
Why Seeing a Periodontist Matters
Additional Mouth-Body Connection FAQs

Gum Disease and Health Conditions

Gum disease, rather than cavities, is more responsible for tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. In fact, a large majority of Americans will be affected by some form of periodontal disease at some point in their lives. Even with the strictest brushing and flossing routines, periodontal disease can develop. Typically characterized by red or inflamed gums, gums that bleed easily, chronic bad breath, gum recession, looseness of the teeth, and other symptoms, gum disease must be treated as soon as possible or much more damage may occur. Untreated periodontal disease has consistently been linked to an increased risk of major health conditions, including:

Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes

The good news is, gum disease can be treated and the condition can be prevented from advancing to more serious stages.

Diabetes and Oral Health

If you have diabetes, particularly if it is uncontrolled diabetes, you have a higher risk of oral bacterial infection and gum disease. These infections can disrupt your ability to process insulin and lead to more difficulty controlling your blood sugar. This makes it even more important for you to have very good daily brushing and flossing routines, in addition to making regular trips to the dentist for professional teeth cleanings and oral evaluations. You should be sure to let your dentist or periodontist know of your medical history and your current condition. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar levels can also help stave off periodontal infection and improve the outcome of any periodontal therapy.

Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease

Research has linked the presence of gum disease to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some newer studies suggest that certain bacteria responsible for gum disease — particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis — may play a role in the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain that are connected to Alzheimer’s. While more research is needed to determine if treating gum disease actually reduces the risk of dementia, the growing amount of evidence that the two are linked further emphasizes the importance of managing gum disease and the chronic inflammation that accompanies it.

This connection makes gum disease prevention and treatment especially important for older adults and baby boomers, a generation now in the age range where both gum disease prevalence and Alzheimer’s risk increase. For individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s or those beginning to experience early signs of memory loss, staying on top of gum health may be one more proactive step worth taking.

Brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleanings remain essential, but individuals with signs of gum disease — such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession — should see a periodontist for evaluation and treatment. Staying on top of your gum health may offer more benefits than we used to think — potentially supporting not just your mouth, but your long-term brain health, too.

Oral Cancer and Pathology

Oral cancer is a life-threatening health risk, and it is critically important to have regular oral cancer screenings to identify any problems as early as possible. With early diagnosis and treatment, patients with oral cancer can significantly reduce the risks that this condition can pose. It is estimated that you can increase your chances of survival by 80 to 90 percent with early treatment.

Dr. Lauer offers painless oral cancer screenings here at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. In fact, Dr. Lauer is often referred to by oncologists in the area for oral cancer treatment, and has routinely performed successful procedures for patients who have been diagnosed with oral cancer.

Early-stage oral cancer does not often display noticeable symptoms, making it even more important to have regular screenings for the condition. Areas that can be affected are the gum tissue, tongue, cheeks, palate, lips, and even the face and/or neck. Note that you may not feel pain with symptoms, and in some cases, you may not associate the pain you feel with the fact that it may be oral cancer. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor at the first sign of any kind of oral or facial pain. It’s also important to do oral cancer self-examinations on a monthly basis, and never ignore anything you might deem irregular.

Dr. Lauer recommends at least two professional oral cancer screenings per year. They can often be part of a regular dental or periodontal check-up.

“Not only did Dr. Lauer address the problem, but he was thorough in his explanation, gentle in his dental work and exceptional in his dental manner. His staff is friendly, gracious and knowledgeable. I would give Dr. Lauer and his staff a 5 star rating!”

Renee E. | Actual Patient

Chemotherapy and Oral Health Changes

For patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, it is not uncommon to experience oral health changes as a side effect. Dr. Lauer is a board-certified periodontal specialist who is often referred to by other doctors throughout the community to help patients with excessive bleeding in the gums and other conditions sometimes caused by chemotherapy. Many routine dental treatments can be complicated due to chemotherapeutics, and Dr. Lauer works closely with your oncologist to enhance your oral health during cancer treatments.

Why Seeing a Periodontist Matters for Your Overall Health

When it comes to the health of your gums and the conditions connected to them, a periodontist brings a level of training and focus that goes beyond what a general dentist provides. Periodontists complete three additional years of specialty training after dental school, specifically dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. This advanced preparation equips them to manage even complex cases of gum disease and the systemic health concerns that can accompany it.

Dr. Lauer’s practice is devoted entirely to gum and bone health. That singular focus means his team is experienced in identifying the earliest signs of disease, monitoring changes over time, and selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient’s situation. Rather than fitting periodontal care into a general dentistry schedule, Dr. Lauer treats it as the priority it deserves to be.

Advanced diagnostics and laser treatment also set periodontal specialists apart. Dr. Lauer utilizes state-of-the-art digital imaging and laser gum therapy to diagnose conditions more precisely and treat them more comfortably. Laser treatment often means less discomfort, faster healing, and better outcomes compared to traditional surgical approaches. For patients managing systemic health conditions linked to gum disease, this level of specialized care can make a meaningful difference.

Additional FAQs About the Mouth-Body Connection

Can Treating Gum Disease Reduce Health Risks?

Treating gum disease reduces the bacterial burden and chronic inflammation in the mouth, both of which have been linked to systemic health concerns. While research is ongoing regarding the exact degree of benefit, many studies suggest that patients who get their gum disease under control may see improvements in conditions like blood sugar regulation in diabetics. At the very least, treating gum disease removes a known source of chronic inflammation from the body, which most health professionals agree is a worthwhile goal.

Who Is Most at Risk from Poor Oral Health?

Gum disease can affect anyone, but certain groups face elevated risk. Adults over the age of 35 are more likely to experience significant periodontal disease, and the risk continues to climb with age. Baby boomers in particular should be attentive, as this generation is now in the age range where both gum disease and related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s become more prevalent. Individuals with diabetes, those who smoke, and patients with a family history of periodontal disease are also at higher risk. Regular screenings and early intervention are especially important for these groups.

How Often Should I See a Periodontist?

For most patients, Dr. Lauer recommends periodontal evaluations at least once or twice a year, often coordinated with your regular dental check-ups. However, patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease, or who have risk factors such as diabetes, a history of smoking, or a family history of periodontal problems, may benefit from more frequent visits. The goal is to monitor the health of the gums and bone closely enough to catch any changes early, before they progress to more serious stages.

Contact Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

If you would like to learn more about periodontal disease and steps that can be taken to treat current problems and prevent them from getting worse, or if you are in need of screenings or treatment for oral conditions associated with cancer or cancer therapies, please contact Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. We are also happy to help you schedule a consultation and oral evaluation with Dr. Lauer.