Did You Know Your Oral Health is a Window into Your Overall Health?

Posted May 20, 2024 by Elaine Markowski, DDS

Believe it or not, your mouth has a lot to say about your overall health. 

Since a young age, we’ve been taught that regularly brushing and flossing our pearly whites helps prevent cavities, stained teeth, bad breath and gum disease. But, what you may not know is that good dental hygiene habits also can have a positive impact on the health of your body.  

It’s true. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the mouth harbors up to 700 species of bacteria and fungus, second only to the gut, and is the entry to your digestive and respiratory tracts. So, when you don’t care for your mouth properly and allow bacteria to get out of control and multiply, they can spread into your bloodstream and throughout your body. 

In fact, research shows gum disease and tooth decay can contribute to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, pneumonia and pregnancy complications. 

Learn more about how taking care of your oral health is an investment in your general health — not to mention, your self-esteem, confidence and mental health. 

Signs of poor dental health

People who consume an unhealthy diet, especially one high in sugar, smoke or use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily or have high stress are at higher risk of developing dental problems and oral health-related conditions.

Signs of dental problems include:

• Toothache
• Cavities and tooth decay
• Gum disease, such as gingivitis (mild) and periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages both the soft tissue and bones that support your teeth.
• Receding gums
• Mouth sores
• Bad breath
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods

Health conditions linked to poor dental health

Beyond unsightly smiles and bad breath, research shows dental problems can contribute to several chronic conditions, including:

• Heart disease: People with poor oral health have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure. 
• Endocarditis: Bacteria in the mouth caused by gum diseases can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and infection of heart tissues, known as endocarditis. 
• Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth caused by poor oral health can enter the bloodstream and infect the lungs, leading to pneumonia.
• Pregnancy complications: Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia. What’s worse, pregnancy increases mom’s risk for dental problems because of fluctuating hormones. 
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: While more research is needed, some experts believe bacteria in the mouth that enters the bloodstream can travel to the brain and cause neuroinflammation.

Not only can poor dental hygiene contribute to chronic disease, the health of your mouth can be affected by certain conditions. The following chronic conditions can lead to problems with the mouth and jaw:

• Osteoporosis leads to bone weakness and loss, which can cause instability in the jawbone. It can cause teeth to loosen or fall out and make gums more susceptible to infection.
• Diabetes leads to high blood sugar, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth loss.
• HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection. People with HIV or AIDS are at an increased risk for gum disease, cavities, painful mouth sores and oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of the mouth. 
• Fibromyalgia is often linked to dry mouth, which affects salivary production. Saliva helps control the number of bacteria in the mouth.

Tips for protecting the health of your mouth

Practicing healthy dental habits and regularly visiting the dentist are key to self-care — and self-esteem. Follow these healthy habits to protect not only your oral health, but also your overall health: 

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes. Use a soft bristle brush or an electronic toothbrush, which is preferred by dentists. 
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque buildup between teeth and at the gum line.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to remove food left behind after brushing and flossing.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for regular imaging, checkups, oral cancer screenings and professional cleanings.
• Eat a healthy diet, and limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Be aware of medications (i.e., decongestants and antihistamines) you take that cause dry mouth, which can lead to decreased saliva production. 
• Manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
• Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco. 

There’s a close relationship between oral health and the health of your body. Practicing good dental hygiene habits are not just about a bright smile, they’re also a matter of your health!

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