Oral-Systemic Health and Preexisting Conditions
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be considered the primary component of the oral-systemic connection. The mouth is one of the primary entryways into the digestive and respiratory tracts, making it a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Most of such bacteria are harmless, but poor oral hygiene may allow them to multiply to dangerously high levels. At this point, the mouth becomes at risk for several oral infections. Inflammation will then enter the bloodstream, weakening the body's immune system.
Oral health is most notably linked to preexisting heart conditions and diabetes. However, others involve pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Research has shown that heart conditions and periodontitis have a positively correlated relationship and that diabetes and oral health exist bidirectionally. As such, receiving treatment for one condition often treats the other. Poor oral hygiene can increase elderly patients' risk of pneumonia. Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation — making patients more susceptible to further health problems.
“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be considered the primary component of the oral-systemic connection.”
Creating a Health Plan For Pre-existing Conditions
Dentists can create health plans to prevent a patient's oral health from adversely impacting their pre-existing conditions. Our team creates personalized treatment plants to strengthen patients' oral and overall health. Dental care goes beyond the mouth. We understand the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. This well-rounded approach allows us to devise the optimal health plan for a patient. To develop the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, we will consider how a patient's dental health affects their pre-existing conditions and vice versa.
“Dentists can create health plans to prevent a patient's oral health from adversely impacting their pre-existing conditions.”
Preexisting Conditions, General Dentistry, and Insurance
Insurance companies typically define preexisting conditions as those conditions a patient had either been diagnosed with or received treatment for before enrolling in their current health plan. Examples include chronic illnesses, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, lupus, various forms of cancer, and more. Since January 1, 2014, it has been illegal for health insurance companies to refuse to cover or charge individuals more for their preexisting conditions, nor can they limit benefits for such conditions.
No insured person can be denied treatment for their preexisting conditions. As such, it is easier than ever for patients to find the right insurance policy for them. Still, certain health insurance plans may be a better fit for certain conditions. Those with chronic or ongoing illnesses, for instance, may benefit from choosing policies that allow more frequent care. Patients must have a comprehensive understanding of their medical and dental needs when selecting both a health and dental insurance plan.
“Patients must have a comprehensive understanding of their medical and dental needs when selecting both a health and dental insurance plan.”
Treatments For Different Conditions
Depending on the patient's conditions and needs, dentists provide various treatments to improve their oral health and overall well-being. In particular, treating tooth decay and gum disease is important to minimize the risk of worsening other systemic health conditions. Treatments of tooth decay and gum disease depend on the severity of the patient's condition.
Some treatment options for tooth decay include:
- Crowns
- Dental fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- Root canals
- Tooth extraction
Gum disease treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical options include professional dental cleanings during a routine dental check-up or the deep cleaning treatment, scaling and root planing. Surgical options are available for more serious cases of gum disease, such as pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, and soft tissue grafts. In other cases, patients may take antibiotic medications to reduce or eliminate the bacteria associated with gum disease.
“Treatments of tooth decay and gum disease depend on the severity of the patient's condition.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What preexisting conditions are linked to oral health?
Q. How can I find an insurance plan that will cover my preexisting conditions?
Q. What ways does a dentist create a health plan for pre-existing conditions?
Q. What are some treatments for different dental conditions?
People Also Ask
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Q. What are some dental health conditions that can form during pregnancy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are the risk factors associated with gum disease?
A.One of the main risk factors for gum disease is plaque from insufficient oral hygiene. Smoking, tobacco usage, and medications can also contribute to gum disease. People with certain genetic markers, systemic diseases, or a tendency to clench or grind teeth may also have an increased risk of developing gum disease.
Q.What are the symptoms of a cavity?
A.Cavity symptoms will vary depending on their location and their severity. The beginning stages of tooth decay may not cause any symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, people may experience tooth pain, sensitivity, visible holes or pits, tooth discoloration, or pain when biting.
Q.What happens if I do not have a cavity treated?
A.Cavities can lead to various complications, including pain, swelling, chewing issues, and teeth shifting. Without treatment, a cavity can progress into an abscess or a pocket of pus. This infection can spread and even become life-threatening in extreme cases.
Q.What are the symptoms of gum disease?
A.Healthy gums appear pink and fit tightly around teeth. People with gum disease may have red or purplish and swollen gums that bleed easily. Teeth may also appear longer as the gums recede and the periodontal pockets grow in size.
Q.What happens during scaling and root planing?
A.Scaling and root planing treats chronic gum disease. During scaling, we will remove the plaque from teeth and pockets between the teeth and gums. Root planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to teeth.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Dental Terminology
- Bacteria
- Bacteria are a large and diverse group of single-celled microorganisms, including some varieties that can cause diseases.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Diabetes
- Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects how the body produces or responds to the hormone insulin and causes high blood sugar.
- Heart Attack
- A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart becomes blocked and causes the tissues to lose oxygen and die.
- Heart Disease
- Heart disease includes a wide range of cardiovascular issues such as diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.
- Inflammation
- Inflammation is the redness, swelling, and pain that is a part of the body's natural response to protect itself from infection, toxins, or injury.
- Oral Hygiene
- Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, and gums through brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments.
- Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
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If you live in the Los Angeles area, call (310) 906-1300 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Request AppointmentHelpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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