How Oral Health Affects Your Body

Your mouth is a window to the rest of your body. Poor oral health — especially gum disease — is linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Here's how a healthy mouth supports a healthier you.

The mouth-body connection

The bacteria and inflammation of gum disease don't always stay in the mouth. Research links oral health to several conditions.

1. Heart health

The bacteria behind gum disease (periodontitis) can enter the bloodstream and add to inflammation, which is associated with heart disease. Keeping your gums healthy may help lower that risk.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes and gum disease feed each other: people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and untreated gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. See how diabetes affects your oral health.

3. Respiratory health

Bacteria from the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, where they may contribute to infections such as pneumonia. Good daily hygiene lowers that risk.

4. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes in pregnancy raise the risk of gingivitis, and gum disease has been linked to premature or low-birth-weight babies. See is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

How to protect both

• Regular check-ups and cleaning catch problems early.
• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
• Eat well — calcium and vitamin D support teeth and gums; limit sugar.
• Don't smoke, and limit alcohol.

Bleeding gums or due a check-up? Healthy gums protect more than your smile — book a cleaning or gum treatment review.