Despite a historical separation, dentistry and medicine are increasingly seen as interconnected due to growing evidence linking oral health to systemic conditions.
"People forget that the mouth is an open portal..." — Steve Kerrigan, Professor at RCSI
Key Findings
- Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through gum disease, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis by lodging in arterial plaques.
- Bacteria from the mouth can bind to platelets, increasing clot risk and possibly leading to strokes or heart attacks.
- A 2025 study found root canal treatment lowered blood sugar, cholesterol, and fatty acid levels, suggesting benefits for type 2 diabetes.
- Gum disease is associated with higher mortality risk in diabetes patients.
- Research shows correlation between gum disease and cognitive decline; a 2016 study found gum disease linked to a six-fold increase in cognitive decline rate over six months.
- People with arthritic knees are more likely to have had gum disease.
Expert Statements
Steve Kerrigan, professor at RCSI: "People forget that the mouth is an open portal..." and notes oral bacteria are implicated in blood clots and endocarditis.
Jing Kang, senior lecturer at King's College London: "It is all related to the immune response and inflammation," but causal links to dementia are unproven due to confounding factors.
Recommendations
- Brush teeth at least twice daily, floss, and limit sugary snacks.
- Electric toothbrushes with rotating heads are more effective at removing bacteria.
- Diet plays a role in feeding harmful oral bacteria.
Context
The historical divide stems from dentistry's origins as a trade. Around half of UK adults have some form of gum disease. NHS dental access is limited, with treatment not free at the point of use.