Researchers from Fujita Health University have uncovered compelling evidence linking poor oral health to an increased risk of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Their study stresses the need for routine oral health screenings in regular medical check-ups.
A monumental new study has unveiled a crucial link between deteriorating oral health and the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Led by Mitsuyoshi Yoshida, a professor at Fujita Health University in Japan, the research emphasizes the pivotal role oral health plays in overall well-being.
Published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, this study underscores the urgency of incorporating oral function assessments into regular health check-ups to foster broader health benefits.
“Our main aim was to investigate the link between oral health and blood test results for glucose metabolism, lipid levels and kidney function,” Yoshida said in a news release.
Yoshida and his team conducted a detailed analysis involving 118 individuals aged 50 and above, who had undergone routine health evaluations. The study included information collected from dental examinations and annual physicals between 2021 and 2023.
The participants were subjected to seven distinct oral function tests, such as the tongue coating index (TCI), oral dryness and the number of remaining functional teeth, among others.
In a bid to uncover significant patterns, the participants were categorized based on whether their blood test results were within or outside the reference ranges for fasting blood glucose (also called blood sugar), cholesterol and kidney function metrics. The findings painted a stark picture of the relationship between oral and systemic health.
The results revealed that individuals with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (which shows the average level of blood glucose over the past two to three months) levels outside the standard range had significantly fewer remaining teeth and lower oral diadochokinesis (OD) values — an indicator of oral motor function — compared to those within the reference range.
Similarly, participants with abnormal cholesterol levels exhibited higher TCI scores and lower OD values. Disturbingly, those with reduced kidney function also showed marked discrepancies in various oral health indicators.
“Overall, our results suggest that a decline in oral function can be a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases. Thus, maintaining good oral health is the first step in maintaining overall health,” added Yoshida, emphasizing the broader implications of the findings.
Source: Fujita Health University