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A reliable source of a clinic in 2023 states that, “Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease”. Even though it does take time and effort out of our day it is vital that we do this.

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Oral health: A window to your overall health

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Learn how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health? Did you know that problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body? Protect yourself by learning more about the link between your oral health and overall health.

What's the link between oral health and overall health?

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless. But the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. That's the long tube of organs from the mouth to the anus that food travels through. The mouth also is the entry to the organs that allow breathing, called the respiratory tracts. So sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Most often the body's defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease.

Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

Your oral health might play a part in conditions such as:

Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.

Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.

Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Certain health conditions also might affect oral health, including:

Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes.

Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.

HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.

Alzheimer's disease. As Alzheimer's disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren's syndrome.

Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.

Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.

Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.

See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.

Don't use tobacco.

Contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems. Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

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Show references

1. Gross EL. Oral and systemic health. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

2. Oral health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

3. Gill SA, et al. Integrating oral health into health professions school curricula. Medical Education Online. 2022; doi:10.1080/10872981.2022.2090308.

4. Mark AM. For the patient: Caring for your gums. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.09.012.

5. Tonelli A, et al. The oral microbiome and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2023; doi:10.1038/s41569-022-00825-3.

6. Gum disease and other diseases. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-and-other-diseases/. Accessed Feb 1, 2024.

7. Gum disease prevention. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-prevention/. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

8. Oral health topics: Toothbrushes. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

9. Issrani R, et al. Exploring the mechanisms and association between oral microflora and systemic diseases. Diagnostics. 2022; doi:10.3390/diagnostics12112800.

10. HIV/AIDS & oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/hiv-aids. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

See more In-depth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Oral health: A window to your overall health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about the link between your oral health and overall health.

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It is vital that we drink water every day along with brushing our teeth, visit the dentist regularly, we shouldn't smoke and should eat a well-balanced diet. All of these are vital in having a good dental hygiene, some more important than others but still are all important.

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What are the effects of good dental hygiene?

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What are the effects of good dental hygiene?

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There are many benefit's and positives of keeping up with good dental hygiene, some of these may include, prevention of missing teeth, diabetes, reduced risk of heart disease, strong teeth and many more.

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What are the consequences of ignoring dental hygiene?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the consequences of ignoring dental hygiene?

# data[].attributes.body
A study has shown from 2024 that “Neglecting this can cause infections in your teeth and gums that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), tooth loss, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and other problems that can create the climate for worsening dental health.” and this is something not to look forward to therefor we should keep a good dental hygiene and creating new habits.

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Complications of Neglecting Dental Hygiene

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Taking care of your oral health means making sure your teeth are clean and your mouth healthy. And unfortunately, poor dental hygiene can lead to plenty of issu