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
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.
Cancer-icon
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
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
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.
HeartDisease
If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, you’re more likely to have cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, than someone with healthy gums. Gum disease increases the amount of inflammation affecting your body, which can increase the burden on your heart.
Other
Thyroid problems, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep and breathing disorders, skin rashes, bruxism (teeth grinding), HIV, HPV, tuberculosis, drug abuse, anorexia, digestive disorders and upper respiratory problems.
 

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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

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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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