Oral health and cardiometabolic disease: understanding the relationship

Abstract

Examination of the oral cavity can identify clinical signs indicative of underlying systemic disease. Key features to examine include the general appearance and number of the teeth, signs of inflammation of the mucosa or gingival tissues including bleeding of the gums and redness, swelling or hyperplasia. Additionally, the tongue should be assessed for any ulceration or discolouration and the presence of excessive build-up (coating). Cardiovascular disease and diabetes, together known as cardiometabolic disease have an impact on oral health. Similarly, oral health conditions, such as gum disease (periodontitis) and dryness of the mouth (xerostomia), are associated with an increased risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this narrative review is to outline both the impact of periodontitis and xerostomia on cardiometabolic disease and the impact of cardiometabolic health on these oral health conditions. Key features of periodontitis and xerostomia will be provided along with a brief discussion of current concepts in early prevention and management of these oral health conditions. The biological mechanisms linking cardiometabolic disease and periodontitis will be outlined and the evidence supporting the association between cardiometabolic disease and oral health conditions will be presented together with an identification of areas where further research is indicated. Last, guidance for general practitioners to assess and support early diagnosis and management of oral health conditions by raising awareness of the relationship between oral health and cardiometabolic disease, providing simple oral health advice and referring to a dental practitioner will be presented.

Dental Criteria Could Alert for Malnutrition Risk and Inappropriate Choice of Food Texture in Older Subjects with Dementia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

“…In fact, mouth dryness has often been reported as a common adverse effect of cerebral tropic drugs [ 49 ]. Similarly, oral health conditions, such as periodontitis and dryness of the mouth are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus [ 50 ]. Caregivers for older residents are reluctant to perform oral health care due to their limited knowledge [ 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Tooth Loss, Patient Characteristics, and Coronary Artery Calcification

“…The intersection between oral health and cardiovascular well-being has been a subject of growing interest in the medical and dental research communities [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9].…”

Association between Asthma and Oral Health Symptoms in Adolescents

“…According to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion individuals worldwide [ 3 ]. Poor oral health is not only associated with problems such as nutritional abnormalities [ 4 ], but is also related to severe health outcomes, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and infections [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”