Modern medicine explains dental caries as a process in which dysbiosis in the oral cavity—particularly specific bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans—breaks down carbohydrates like sugar and produces acid, which corrodes the enamel on the tooth surface. When this acidic environment persists, microscopic holes begin to form in the tooth, marking the onset of dental caries. However, beyond simple bacterial infection, it is becoming clear how greatly the general health status of our body influences oral health.
First, the role of saliva is far more important than one might think. Saliva neutralizes the acid that induces dental caries, supplies minerals that trigger remineralization of the tooth, and plays a key role in maintaining bacterial balance in the oral cavity by containing antimicrobial substances. When salivary secretion decreases due to severe stress or the use of certain medications, xerostomia occurs and the risk of developing dental caries can rise sharply. This is closely related to the activation of the sympathetic nerve within the autonomic nervous system suppressing salivary gland function.
Second is the systemic immune status and inflammatory response. Our body's immune system constantly interacts with bacteria in the oral cavity to maintain balance. However, when immunity weakens due to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, nutritional imbalance, and other factors, harmful bacteria in the oral cavity thrive more easily, accelerating not only gum inflammation, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, but also the progression rate of dental caries. In particular, when systemic inflammatory markers are elevated, reports associate this with adverse effects on oral health. Poor blood circulation or a deficiency of specific nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, can also weaken the defenses of the teeth and gums.
Third, from a modern neurological perspective, tooth pain is transmitted to the brain through complex neural pathways. When dental caries deepens and inflammation progresses into the dental pulp—the nerve fascicle inside the tooth—it induces severe pain, which is transmitted to the brain's pain centers via the trigeminal nerve. This pain does not stop merely as a tooth issue; it can expand into headaches and facial pain, while chronic pain promotes the secretion of stress hormones and causes systemic fatigue.
Donguibogam's mention of 'kidney hypofunction' or 'stomach heat' can be understood from a modern medical perspective as being connected to 'decreased systemic immunity', 'inflammatory responses', and 'autonomic nervous system imbalance'. In other words, the signals sent by the teeth are not just problems inside the mouth, but delicate warnings that the overall balance of the body is being disrupted. If you have halitosis that cannot be resolved by brushing alone and recurring tooth pain, it is necessary to examine your body's overall health status. Beyond simply filling a visible hole, strengthening the body's own ability to heal and defend itself is the true key to oral health.
