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Oral hygiene and cardiometabolic health

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | Posted in GEHA Connection Dental Network News

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Oral hygiene and cardiometabolic health: What every provider should know

Cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), share many modifiable risk factors. However, one significant risk factor that often goes unnoticed is periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums. Let’s explore a systematic review evaluating the impact of oral hygiene practices on the risk, incidence and mortality rates of these cardiometabolic diseases.

Systematic review approach

The systematic review included searches from MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and CINHAL, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and observational studies. Fifty-five studies were selected, all reporting on the associations between oral hygiene practices — such as toothbrushing, interdental cleaning, and mouthwash and toothpaste use — and the outcomes of CVD, CKD and T2DM in adults aged 18 and older. Quality assessments were conducted using Cochrane's risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Key findings: toothbrushing and interdental cleaning

• People who used dental floss had better health outcomes when grouped with other practices and given an oral hygiene score. For individuals living with CKD completing peritoneal dialysis, an oral hygiene score of =7 out of 15 points was associated with lower hospitalization and mortality rates.
• Associated with a lower risk of developing T2DM or hypertension (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.54, p < 0.001).
• Linked to a lower mortality risk in individuals with CVD (HR 0.25, p = 0.03).

Implications for dental practice

These findings highlight the importance of simple oral hygiene practices in reducing cardiometabolic risk. As a dentist, you play a crucial role in educating patients about the broader health benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene. Encouraging regular toothbrushing and interdental cleaning can be a proactive measure in preventing serious health conditions beyond oral health.

Integrating these findings into patient education and chronic disease health promotion can significantly impact overall health outcomes. By emphasizing the connection between oral hygiene and cardiometabolic health, we can work toward a healthier future for our patients.

Source:

Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI): Impact of Oral Hygiene Practices in Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk, Incidence, and Mortality: A Systematic Review

The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.