Your dental health and general health are connected.


Untreated dental disease can lead to pain and infection. Individuals with dental pain may have difficulty chewing and digesting food. They may have trouble sleeping and their self-esteem may be affected. Although researchers are just beginning to uncover this relationship, increasing evidence shows a connection between oral health and general health and well-being.

Gum disease has been linked to several diseases including:

Diabetes: There is a strong link between gum disease and diabetes. People with diabetes are not only more at risk of gum disease, but gum disease can also affect the severity of their diabetes.1

Cardiovascular disease: There is new research that points to a possible connection between gum disease and heart disease and stroke.1

Respiratory illness: The same bacteria found in plaque can also be inhaled into the lungs where they may cause an infection or aggravate any existing lung condition, especially in older adults.1

Cognitive decline: A 2018 study demonstrated a statistically significant association between prevalence of periodontitis (gum inflammation) and cognitive decline in older adults.2

Pre-term, low birth weight babies: Studies are also examining whether pregnant women with gum disease may be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease.1


Chronic Kidney Disease: A 2018 review of multiple studies identified a statistically relevant association between gum disease and chronic kidney disease progression.4




  1. Health Canada. Smile: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body
  2. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Longitudinal evaluation of periodontitis and development of cognitive decline among older adults
  3. American Academy of Periodontology website. Gum Disease and Other Systemic Diseases
  4. Oral Diseases. Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis