brand logo
Schedule
Total-body benefits of a healthy smile

How oral health impacts overall health

Beyond enjoying a beautiful smile—your oral health plays a much greater role when it comes to maintaining your overall health.

Schedule appointment(800) 277-3633
Maintaining your oral health is important as it:
Prevents dental issues
Avoid gum infections
Helps protect heart health

Why oral health is important

Oral health is not just important for the aesthetics of your smile, but it also plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. Poor dental health can lead to several health complications and it can affect your body in various ways.

In fact, the connection between oral health and overall health is so strong that many healthcare professionals now recommend regular dental check-ups as part of a comprehensive health plan.

How to improve oral health

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and regular visits to the dentist help prevent dental problems like cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.

By taking care of your smile today, you’ll prevent dental issues down the road.

Graphic illustration with text Keep your smile healthy and strong showcase a toothbrush with toothpaste above a healthy tooth, promoting brushing to prevent dental issues.

Prevent dental issues

Maintaining good oral hygiene can minimize the risk of common dental problems from cropping up. When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, it can lead to tooth decay and infections in the gums.

These problems are not only uncomfortable but can also result in expensive and invasive dental treatments. By taking intentional care of your smile now, you can minimize the risk of needing extensive treatment in the future.

The graphic image depicts two circles, one colored blue representing oral health and the other colored green representing a healthy lifestyle. The circles merge in the middle, creating a peach color that represents the link between oral health and overall health. The image suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene contributes to a healthy body and mind, leading to sound overall health.

The link between oral health and overall health

According to an article published by Harvard Medical, research shows that oral health issues can be linked to heart disease, diabetes and issues with pregnancy.

This is because bacteria from plaque and gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, causing inflammation and other health issues.

By maintaining positive dental health, combined with a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve a healthier body and mind.¹

¹Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source: Oral Health, United States, 2022. Boston, MA: Harvard College. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/oral-health

Overall health complications associated with oral health

Let's take a closer look at how your oral health can impact your overall health and wellbeing. Interestingly, having poor oral hygiene can be linked to a variety of health issues. We’ll dig into the details of each below.  

Oral health and cardiovascular disease 

Poor dental health can lead to gum disease, which can actually be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart problems. 

Diabetes and oral health 

Patients with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. 

Oral health and other potential complications 

Due to its inflammatory response, gum disease has been linked to complications with both pregnancy and Alzheimer’s. This is because when bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can trigger an inflammatory response, increasing the risk of neurological problems. If a pregnant mother has gum disease, the inflammation can impact the baby’s brain development. If a patient is more mature, gum disease could potentially increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Common oral health issues

Gum disease

One of the most significant and common health issues associated with poor dental hygiene is gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis and even cause teeth to fall out.

Tooth decay

Additionally, oral health problems like cavities and tooth decay can affect your overall health. If left untreated, these issues can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even malnutrition.

Want to avoid these issues? Visit your Aspen Dental dentist to maintain a healthy smile.

Aspen Dental reviews

My experience here was great. New and very impressive! I needed last minute dental assistance and they were so accommodating. I was able to get in super quick, the place is so clean, and the staff was really friendly. If you're looking for a new dentist or just a change, I highly recommend this place!
Stephanie, Morton Grove, ILGoogle review
See all reviews

Oral health FAQs

Poor oral health is linked to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, affecting various bodily organs and systems.

Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups not only maintain oral health but also contribute to overall health. Good oral hygiene can prevent infections and reduce the risk of systemic diseases.

Yes, untreated gum disease may contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It's important to address gum issues promptly to mitigate potential implications on your overall health.

Smoking, poor nutrition and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect oral health and increase the risk of systemic diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can benefit your holistic health.

Chronic oral inflammation, often associated with gum disease, can lead to systemic inflammation. This response may contribute to various health problems, further emphasizing the importance of preventing and treating gum disease.

Yes, conditions like tooth loss or chronic pain in your mouth can affect mental health. It can possibly lead to excess stress or anxiety. Maintaining good oral health contributes to overall well-being.

Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking all play integral roles in preventing oral health issues.

Discover more for your smile

Explore general dentistry

Learn about oral health

View prevention methods

Find your office

Better oral health for a healthier you 

Keep your smile in check by staying up on your dental visits.

Schedule an appointment at your local Aspen Dental to achieve optimal oral health and overall health.

Schedule appointment