The Centrality of Oral Health to Your Overall Health

It turns out that oral health is more central to overall health than we ever imagined. “The health of your body influences your oral health and vice versa,” says naturopathic doctor Nadia Musavvir. “The mouth is technically part of the digestive tract or ‘the gut’ [and as] Hippocrates said, all disease begins in the gut.” This type of understanding, which highlights the bigger picture of the body’s functioning, applies to dentistry, with a great degree of interconnection between the gums and overall health. “Gum health and your overall health are a two-way street,” confirms Lawrence Fung, DDS, cosmetic dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental. “Especially when it comes to heart disease and even diabetes.”

To better understand their role in overall health, rē•frame the gums as a gateway to the rest of your body. Ideally, they would allow nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water. But when their health suffers from inflammation, recession, or periodontal disease, their degradation will enable bacteria and pathogens (from plaque and food) to seep into the bloodstream. Reminiscent of the deleterious mechanism at work in leaky-gut syndrome, this then cues systemic inflammation within the body, all vis-a-vis the gums.

At first glance, the main fear associated with gum disease might be tooth loss. But the fact is that compromised gum health can have severe health consequences. For instance, a 2019 study found that gum disease at least doubles the likelihood of having a stroke while also being linked to heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of dementia. The connection between the mouth and the body’s functioning is further demonstrated through a 2021 study linking gum health to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) via the “Gum-Gut Axis.”

“For decades, we have observed a link between people with gum disease having two or three times the increase in the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues,” Dr. Fung says. “The exact link is still being studied, and it’s believed that inflammation is the main cause between the two, as chronic inflammation is a major issue to heart problems.” In addition, he explains that those with diabetes are likely more at risk of periodontal disease, risking infections in the gums and bones. “It is thought that good oral and periodontal health may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression and regression of diabetes.”

Whether or not you use the remineralizing ingredient fluoride is between you, your teeth, and your dentist. Although it is added to our tap water in the United States, Dr. Musavvir points out that it is not added to most European Union countries because it is considered a neurotoxin. “Some people want a toothpaste that is on the more natural side and is safe enough to swallow,” Dr. Fung says. “Fluoride-free toothpaste is indeed safe enough to swallow.” If you want to minimize your potential ingestion of fluoride, he recommends alternating a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and a fluoride-free toothpaste at night. Whether your oral health regimen includes fluoride or not, the following pro-health ingredients for dental care can make for fantastic replacements or supplements to your current dental regimen.

“Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium found in teeth and helps remineralize teeth without being toxic,” says Dr. Musavvir. “It’s been shown to have higher remineralizing effects than fluoride.” This means it helps repair weakened enamel, preventing cavities and reversing tooth decay. Dr. Fung continues, “[Calcium] Hydroxyapatite makes up 97% of your enamel, so it is key in helping to maintain the structural integrity of your team, and helps to repair it [by remineralizing the enamel] when acidity from foods or dental decay injures it.”

Interestingly enough, xylitol is a sweetener — but it could not be more different than typical sugars. First, Dr. Fung points out that xylitol kills plaque-causing bacteria and lessens plaque. Its oral health benefits also include mitigating gingival inflammation (it inhibits an inflammatory cytokine in the mouth) and stymying tooth decay. In addition, the ingredient is alkalizing (i.e., reduces acidity), helping keep a neutral pH in the mouth and preserving tooth enamel.

CBD and turmeric stand to benefit gum health due to their anti-inflammatory properties. “CBD, in theory, can help minimize pain after procedures because it can help reduce inflammation greatly,” says Dr. Fung. “By reducing inflammation, we can assume that oral issues like gingivitis sensitivity, receding gums, and even TMJ issues can be improved.” He notes, however, that more clinical research must be conducted on these ingredients before these claims can be considered facts. Turmeric extract is another natural ingredient that can be sought out for its anti-inflammatory effects.

As your dentist has likely pointed out, brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing after each meal (or at least each night) is essential. Dr. Fung also emphasizes the importance of going into the office for professional teeth cleanings. “Nothing removes plaque and tartar to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis like professional teeth cleaning,” he says. “Because of COVID, many people did skip their annual dental appointments last year, and I have noticed an uptick in inflamed gums, even with patients who are very fastidious with their at-home dental care.”

As for your at-home regimens, the regular use of a Waterpik or dental floss helps break up the bacterial film on the surface of the teeth and dislodges any food or residue stuck between them. If you are especially health-conscious, you can look for Teflon-free dental floss — some even come infused with hydroxyapatite. Dr. Fung also recommends alcohol-free mouthwash with xylitol and/or soothing CBD.

Oil pulling — using coconut oil and sometimes herbs — and tongue scraping are two antibacterial oral health practices from Ayurvedic medicine, both of which Dr. Musavvir recommends. After swishing antibacterial coconut oil in your mouth, always spit it into the garbage can. Never swallow it or spit it into the sink (it will clog the drain). 

Lastly, some experts recommend alternating between a manual and an electric toothbrush — and brushing gently, using soft or medium bristles — to help prevent gum recession.

Now that you’ve gotten an overview of the importance and centrality of oral health, here are some of our favorite products.

• Risewell Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste $12
• Hyperbiotics PRO-Dental, $23
• Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 $169.99
• Hello Replaceable Head Toothbrush Starter Kit $9.99
• Apa White Toothpaste $25
• Hello CBD Fluoride Free Toothpaste + Activated Charcoal $12.99
• Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro $199.99
• IntelliWHiTE Pro White Professional Toothpaste & Power Boost Daily Whitening Gel $59.95
• Boka Ela Mint Floss $5
• Risewell Alkalizing Mouthwash, $18