Mayo Clinic on Nutrition Whole-Body Care, Starting With a Smile
Jan 13, 2026
Dentist Alex Silvia, who specializes in nutrition and gum disease, highlights the shocking prevalence of gum disease in adults. He explains its links to over 50 systemic conditions, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Discover how oral bacteria can affect lung health and increase risks for heart issues. Alex shares practical tips on maintaining gum health, the importance of certain nutrients, and delves into the benefits of nasal breathing. He also emphasizes the role of the mouth as a gateway to overall health, making oral hygiene essential.
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Mouth As A Systemic Gateway
- The mouth is both an intake system and a primary immune barrier that affects whole-body health.
- Oral problems can silently shift systemic inflammation and impair distant organs.
Gum Disease Fuels Systemic Inflammation
- Periodontal (gum) disease drives chronic inflammation that links to many systemic conditions.
- Treating gum inflammation matters because its effects extend beyond teeth to overall disease risk.
Oral Bacteria And Lung Risk
- Oral bacterial buildup can be aspirated and increase pneumonia and lung cancer risks, especially in older or smoking populations.
- Smoking plus periodontal disease roughly doubles lung cancer risk versus smoking alone.
