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The Mouth-Body Connection

  • You may have heard of the mind-body connection but what about the mouth-body connection.  To many people, a dental visit is just about getting their teeth cleaned or getting a filling.  However, a dental visit is not just about teeth.  It is also about your overall health.  What goes on in your mouth can affect the rest of your body and vice versa.
  • Many diseases and conditions can affect your oral health.  For example, people may get more infections in the mouth if their immune system is weak.
  • Your oral health also can affect other medical conditions.  If you are a diabetic, a mouth infection can disrupt your blood-sugar levels and make your diabetes harder to control.
  • Gum disease (periodontal disease) may increase the risk of various medical problems.  These may include heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
  • Medicine for other conditions can also affect the health of your mouth.  Many drugs can cause dry mouth.  This can increase your risk of dental decay.
  • This is why it is extremely important to see the dental hygienist every six months and to see the dentist annually for a dental health check with oral cancer screening.