The Connection Between Oral Health and Chronic Illnesses

Central Brooklyn – Let’s do better with chronic illness

Our community members are trying to live better with common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Community members have a critical role in protecting their health as chronic illnesses can bring long-standing harm to health, wellness, and quality of life. Chronic illnesses are both preventable and, more importantly, a predictable harm of Social Determinants of Health.

In my eight years at Interfaith Medical Center – OBH, it has been my experience that the Central Brooklyn community can do better in prevention and, if living with chronic illness, achieve better health and quality of life.

We can make choices to improve our health. Our behaviors, habits, and lifestyle choices (our “dos and don’ts”) protect or harm our oral health. These same “dos and don’ts” also protect or harm our general health – leading to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses.

The question is when do these health/risk factors begin and where can we look to see if we are protecting our health, moving toward, or living with chronic illness?

First, think about your oral health – teeth and gums. What are your “dos and don’ts” and then - do you suffer tooth decay, chronic gum problems, or loose teeth? These concerns are the most common chronic illnesses we suffer from. In fact, starting in the first year of childhood, poor oral health is the most common chronic illness of people.

Second, the “dos and don’ts” about your teeth and gums are the same common shared health/risk factors for future problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and stroke.

Third, your body fights chronic infection causing chronic inflammation. Then, the bloodstream spreads harmful germs (infection) and inflammation throughout the body. This puts your health in harm’s way especially if you suffer chronic illnesses. Remember, your mouth is the most common place for chronic inflammation.

The health of your teeth and gums is a terrific way to know how you are living with your chronic illness. Good oral health not only reflects the quality of your “dos and don’ts” - it also helps your overall health and doctor’s care of your chronic illness.

I always start with one question to know about anyone’s health – Do you ever skip brushing your teeth and gums before bed? If you have adult children – ask them. If you (they) have children, the same thing goes – baby teeth and gums are especially important for adult teeth and a healthy future!

More food for thought:

• Once we reach adolescence, start flossing at least twice a week and continue as you age.

• Dental visits confirm the quality of your dos and don’ts. Feeling good does NOT mean your teeth and gums are healthy!

• If you need dental care, this partnership is essential for your health

• Having healthy teeth and gums is the path for Central Brooklyn to truly get healthy.

YOU GO AS YOUR SMILE GOES!

Author: Dr. Fred S Ferguson