Oral Health Directly Impacts Well-Being & Quality Of Life

  • Dementia and Alzheimer's

    Bacteria associated with periodontal disease may be able to travel to the brain and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

    Source: American Academy of Periodontology

  • The Mouth

    Beyond physical health, periodontal disease often impacts quality of life, affecting speech, chewing ability, and even self-esteem due to tooth loss or discomfort.

  • Respiratory Diseases

    Bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs and contribute to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

    Source: American Academy of Periodontology

  • Heart Disease

    People with gum disease have 2 to 3 times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.

    Source: Harvard Health

  • Diabetes

    Inflammation from periodontal disease can lead to higher blood glucose levels—which can contribute to a higher risk of diabetes. People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have periodontitis.

    Source: American Diabetes Association

  • Pregnancy Problems

    Periodontal disease is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

    Source: Center for Disease Control

  • Erectile Dysfunction

    Men with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to have symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

    Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine

  • “About 47% of people aged 30 years and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease.”
  • “Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.”
  • “...research has found that gum disease is associated with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections and dementia.”
  • “Poor oral health may cause declines in brain health… it has implications far beyond the mouth.”
  • “The ‘Quiet Disease’ Lingering in Our Mouths - Nearly half of U.S. adults over 30 show signs of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss.”

Poor oral health can cause inflammation that allows bacteria associated with a variety of systemic diseases to enter the bloodstream. Research links oral health issues to many diseases including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and pregnancy problems.

LEARN MORE