1Smile Dental | Veneers, Extractions and Pediatric Dentistry

The Link Between Oral Health, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Disease

March 20, 2025

Your Mouth and Body Are More Connected Than You Think

When you think about oral health, you might only consider cavities and gum disease—but did you know that what happens in your mouth can have serious effects on your entire body? Research has shown that oral diseases can upregulate systemic inflammatory responses, leading to autoimmune disorders and other chronic health issues.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Immunology Research (PMC5872203) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5872203/ explores the strong link between periodontitis (gum disease) and autoimmune diseases. The key findings?

  • Oral infections trigger chronic inflammation, which can travel through the bloodstream and increase systemic immune responses.
  • Pathogens in gum disease (like Porphyromonas gingivalis) have been linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus.
  • Inflammatory molecules (cytokines) released due to poor oral health can exacerbate autoimmune diseases by overstimulating the immune system.

How Chronic Inflammation Triggers Autoimmune Disease

When your body experiences chronic inflammation, your immune system goes into overdrive—attacking healthy tissues instead of just infections. This autoimmune response has been linked to conditions like:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – Inflammation from gum disease can trigger joint pain and damage.
  • Lupus (SLE) – Studies suggest oral bacteria can increase the risk of developing lupus.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) – Chronic inflammation may disrupt nerve function, worsening MS symptoms.

Weight, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Risk

But it’s not just oral healthexcess weight also contributes to inflammation, further increasing the risk of autoimmune disordersFat cells produce inflammatory chemicals that stress the immune system, making it more prone to misfiring. This is why losing weight can help lower systemic inflammation and reduce the risk of autoimmune disease.

Protect Your Health at 1 Smile Dental & 1 Smile Wellness

At 1 Smile Dental, we help patients in Schererville, NW Indiana, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Merriville and Chicago take control of their oral health—reducing the risk of systemic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. A simple dental exam and cleaning can go a long way in preventing chronic inflammation before it affects your entire body.

And if you’re looking to improve overall health through weight loss, our board-certified team at 1 Smile Wellness provides medically supervised weight loss programs designed to lower inflammation, balance the immune system, and support long-term wellness.

Your health starts with your smile—schedule your exam today!

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