Evidence is mounting that the effects of oral health on the body are not localized to oral tissues only. A study in 2020 found that compared to a healthy control group, saliva from patients who recently had strokes showed increased biomarkers for inflammation and protein oxidation, suggesting a link between oral health and stroke risk.[1] Another study published in the same year found a link between periodontitis (infection of the gums) and high blood pressure.[2] Furthermore, some evidence shows that poor oral health is associated withcan predict cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality.[3] The effects of oral health are not limited to the cardiovascular system, however, as periodontitis has been linked to at least 50 systemic diseases.[4]. Although the details and mechanisms are still being sorted out, it is clear that there is a relationship between oral health and systemic health.
Does oral health influence health in the rest of the body?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Research indicates that oral health significantly affects overall health, and studies have associated poor oral conditions with increased risks of strokes, high blood pressure, and various systemic diseases. The relationship between oral health and systemic health is evident, although the specific mechanisms are still under investigation.