Exploring the Link Between Oral Health and Lifestyle-Related Diseases
This article explores recent research linking oral health to the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of dental health in overall well-being.
Recent research highlights a significant connection between oral health and the risk of developing lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease. Oral health encompasses the condition of our mouth, teeth, gums, and surrounding structures, directly influencing overall well-being and quality of life. A decline in oral health can impair our diet and nutrition, which further elevates the risk of chronic diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, led by Professor Mitsuyoshi Yoshida from Fujita Health University, investigated how oral health correlates with various blood test parameters. The research involved 118 individuals aged 50 and above who participated in regular health assessments. Their oral health was evaluated through seven different tests, measuring factors such as tongue coating, oral dryness, number of remaining teeth, tongue pressure, chewing ability, swallowing function, and oral diadochokinesis.
Participants were divided based on their blood test results, including fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and kidney function. The study found that those with abnormal blood glucose levels had fewer remaining teeth and lower oral diadochokinesis values. Similarly, individuals with cholesterol levels outside the normal range showed higher tongue coating indices and lower oral functioning scores. These findings suggest that poor oral health may serve as an indicator or contributor to systemic health issues.
The researchers emphasize that maintaining good oral hygiene and function could be a crucial step in preventing or managing lifestyle-related diseases. Integrating oral health assessments into routine medical check-ups could enhance early detection and holistic health management. Prof. Yoshida concluded that encouraging regular dental examinations might be a vital part of promoting overall health and supporting Japan’s initiative for universal dental health screening.
This study underscores the importance of oral health as a vital component of overall health and disease prevention, advocating for more comprehensive health strategies that include oral health promotion.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-uncovering-relationship-oral-function-lifestyle.html
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