June Is Men’s Health Month: How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, and you might be overlooking one part of your body: your mouth. Your oral health is more than just a great smile. Research shows that your teeth and gum health significantly affect your overall well-being. Yet, men are more likely than women to ignore their dental health — and that can have serious consequences.
Men face specific risks when it comes to oral health. According to the American Dental Association, men are:
- Less likely to visit the dentist regularly.
- More likely to develop oral cancer.
- More likely to have advanced periodontal disease.
- More likely to engage in risky behaviors like tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption, both of which contribute to oral and systemic health issues.
Ignoring oral health can result in tooth loss, pain, expensive treatments, and severe systemic disease. In honor of Men’s Health Month, let’s dive into this a bit further:
Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessel) Disease
One of the most compelling links in health research is between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Chronic gum infections cause inflammation that doesn’t stay confined to your mouth. Inflammatory bacteria can enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation in blood vessels, contributing to plaque build-up, and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. People with periodontal disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular events.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Type 2 diabetes and gum disease fuel each other. Poor blood sugar control weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections. In turn, the inflammation from periodontal disease can impair the body’s ability to use insulin, making blood sugar more challenging to control. Treating gum disease can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Oral Bacteria and Brain Health: The Dementia Link
Oral health may even influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Researchers have discovered that bacteria commonly found in advanced gum disease—Porphyromonas gingivalis—can travel from the mouth to the brain, where they may contribute to inflammation and damage associated with cognitive decline. People with severe gum disease are more likely to experience cognitive impairment later in life.
Kidney Disease: Oral Health’s Silent Threat
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is another condition affected by oral health. Systemic inflammation from gum infections can exacerbate kidney problems, impairing function over time. In men, this can be especially dangerous since CKD often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages. Periodontal disease is associated with a twofold increased risk of kidney dysfunction.
Prioritize Your Health This June with Erik P. Cadra, DMD
Men’s Health Month is about more than checking your blood pressure, your PSA (prostate-specific antigen), or hitting the gym. It’s about a holistic view of wellness—and your oral health is a vital piece of that puzzle. A healthy mouth could be the first step toward preventing heart disease, managing diabetes, protecting your brain, and safeguarding your kidneys.
So, don’t wait until you have a toothache or a serious diagnosis. This June, commit to your total health and well-being by starting with your mouth. Your smile—and your body—will thank you. Contact us below or call today to schedule an appointment with Erik P. Cadra, DMD.