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Dental health is part of a bigger picture: Whole-body wellness
Unhealthy teeth and gums are often found in combination with heart disease and other life-threatening conditions, and many health issues can also affect your oral health.
![Diabetes](https://deltadentalnc.com/hubfs/Diabetes.png)
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease (swollen, red, infected gums) and tooth loss. Researchers think this occurs because
diabetes reduces the body’s overall resistance to infection.
diabetes reduces the body’s overall resistance to infection.
![Cancer-icon](https://deltadentalnc.com/hubfs/Cancer-icon.png)
During your dental exam, ask your dentist to conduct an oral cancer screening to help detect lumps or other changes in your throat, neck, jaw, skin or thyroid.
![kidney](https://deltadentalnc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kidney.png?width=279&height=100&name=kidney.png)
Chronic bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and dry mouth are often signs of kidney issues. When the kidneys don’t function properly, the byproducts of incomplete protein breakdown are released, causing an unpleasant taste or mouth odor.
![Anxiety](https://deltadentalnc.com/hubfs/Anxiety.png)
Did vou know that anxiety can affect vour oral health? Stress affects the immune system, reducing your body’s defense against the bacteria that can lead to gum infection.
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“The mouth is connected anatomically
and physiologically to the rest of the
body. Oral health is a vital component
of overall health. Dentists can recognize
and diagnose many kinds of diseases
and health issues. From diabetes to
cardiovascular disease to cancers,
a dentist can be a first line of defense
for your entire body.”
Jeffery W. Johnston, DDS, MS, FACD
Chief Science Officer, Delta Dental of NC
![image (2)](https://deltadentalnc.com/hubfs/image%20(2).png)
What you and your dentist can do
The best thing you can do to prevent serious dental issues is to treat them while they’re still small. For that reason, visiting your dentist regularly (or every six months) to manage your oral health. Brush and floss twice a day to fight cavities, plaque buildup and inflammation.
Let your dentist know about changes to your health, and share a current list of medications you are taking.
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