Oral Health and Your Overall Health
The Connection:
Your Mouth and Your Overall Health
You may not know it, but your oral health and your overall health are connected. While oral conditions are frequently considered separate from other chronic conditions, they are actually interrelated. Excess germs in your mouth can make a difference in your overall health and can make you sick.
Poor oral health can be associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Oral disease can also be associated with risky behaviors such as using tobacco and consuming sugary foods and beverages.
Simple steps like using toothpaste with fluoride, flossing every day, drinking more water, and regular dental exams can help keep your whole body healthy.
Excess Germs in Your Mouth Are No Laughing Matter
Sickness that affects other parts of your body can be caused by too many germs in your mouth. They build up when daily brushing and flossing are skipped and when regular dentist visits are missed. These germs can also make many illnesses harder to fight. While not always life-threatening, these germs may also create other problems that last much longer.
Serious Illness and Your Mouth
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Diabetes may be the reason you have bleeding gums, pain, bad breath, and trouble chewing. These are just some of the signs that your diabetes is not really under control. Listen to your mouth. See what you can do to relieve mouth problems.
Your dentist can be part of your diabetes management team, helping to solve those mouth problems before they become serious.
Heart Disease
People with poor oral health and gum disease have a higher rate of heart disease and stroke when compared to people with good oral health.
Studies show that the bacteria associated with gum disease can move into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and other damage to the heart.
By taking control of your oral health, you can reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses.
Oral Cancers
Oral cancers develop on the tongue, on the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth.
Most cancers in the mouth are related to tobacco use and drinking alcohol, and most throat cancers can be attributed to the human papilloma virus (HPV).
It's important to catch cancers of the mouth and throat early because treatment works best before the disease has spread. Pain may not be an early symptom of the disease. So be on the lookout for any changes in your mouth, especially if you smoke or drink. Visit your dentist for an examination if you suspect you may have oral cancer.
What You Can Do to Maintain Your Oral Health
Your dentist can give you the information you need to get and keep a healthy mouth. Get started today with these tips:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and establish a dental home—a place where you can go for all your dental concerns.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
- Stay on top of all your vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia.
Find a Dentist Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 and Other Sicknesses
Your Dentist and Your Overall Health
Keep Your Mouth Healthy—Preventative Care
Having great health is connected to getting great oral healthcare. Neglecting your oral health can lead to inflammation, bacteria, and even mouth cancers. Don’t put off getting the oral healthcare you need.
You’ll smile about it later.
Make Your Appointment
Many Americans have missed regular dental care in the past few years. It’s important to see a dentist twice a year to identify any problems early.
Don’t be worried about going to the dentist! Preventive visits are painless and can help you avoid more costly treatment.
For your dental visit, make sure to bring a list of your current medicines, known allergies, and any insurance or billing information. At these visits, the dentist or dental hygienist will review your medical history and suggest an oral hygiene routine that may make it easier for you to stay on track. The dentist may also prescribe a special toothpaste or mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay and to fight germs that cause gum disease. Follow the dental provider’s instructions for use.
Find a Dentist
Need a Dentist?
If you need a dentist and don’t know where to find one, here is an excellent resource. The right dentist for you is just a click away!
Need Dental Insurance?
Apply for Husky Health at Access Health CT.
Contact number 1-855-805-4325.
Deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428.
Website: https://www.accesshealthct.com/
Connecticut Dental Health Partnership for the dental insurance plan for HUSKY Health.
Contact Number 855-283-3682
Website: https://ctdhp.org/
A Word About the Daily Routine for Your Mouth
Let's Talk About What You Can Do!
Daily Care and Visiting Your Dentist
No one likes getting sick. It can take time away from work and play. Taking care of your teeth is a great way to prevent illness. Brush and floss twice a day— and don't forget to visit the dentist!
Vaccines – Stay Up to Date
Some diseases can be harder to fight if you don’t take good care of your mouth. Vaccines offer another effective way to avoid sickness, make sickness less serious, and help you get better faster. Consider getting these:
COVID-19
Party Crasher. That’s COVID-19. And it can be harder to fight if your mouth is not healthy. It can ruin your party, vacation, or special family dinner if you get infected. Stay up to date on your vaccines and boosters. Not vaccinated for COVID-19 yet? Don’t stop the party! Keep yourself and others protected from COVID-19—schedule an appointment today.
The Flu
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
Pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia disease is common in young children, but older adults are at the greatest risk of serious illness and death. In the United States, there are two kinds of vaccines that help prevent pneumococcal disease. Ask your doctor about the one that’s right for you.