Oral health and general health: how the body and mouth are connected
· Sarab Koyar Salehi, Licensed dental hygienist · 2 min read
The mouth is part of the body, and what happens there can be connected to how you feel overall. Research shows several links, but a link does not always mean that one causes the other. Here is the most important, explained simply.
From the body to the mouth
| Health issue | How it can affect the mouth |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | A higher risk of gum inflammation and gum disease, and dry mouth |
| Medication | Many medicines cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities and thrush |
| Pregnancy | Hormones can make the gums more tender and prone to bleeding |
| Reflux and vomiting | Stomach acid can damage the enamel |
| Smoking and snus | Slows gum healing and raises the risk of gum disease |
| Stress and sleep | Can cause teeth grinding and poorer routines |
| Diet | A lot of sugar and frequent snacks raise the risk of cavities |
From the mouth to the body
- **Diabetes:** It works both ways. Severe gum disease can make it harder to keep blood sugar stable.
- **Heart and blood vessels:** People with gum disease more often have cardiovascular disease. A link is known, but it is not certain that gum disease causes the illness. The same risk factors, such as smoking, may lie behind both.
- **Pneumonia:** In older and frail people bacteria from the mouth can reach the airways when swallowing. Good oral hygiene lowers the risk.
- **Chewing and eating:** Poor chewing ability can lead to a poorer diet and less energy.
- **Infections:** Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, and for some risk groups, for example with heart valve problems, the doctor may give special advice. Ask your doctor.
The mouth can reveal other things
A dental hygienist sees early signs in the gums and mucous membranes and can notice things that should be checked by a doctor or dentist, such as discolouration, sores that do not heal or changes in the lining of the mouth.
What you can do
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
- Drink water between meals, and limit sugar and acidic drinks.
- Stop smoking and using snus if you can. Read Snus and teeth.
- Go to regular visits. Read How often should you see a dental hygienist?
- Tell us about your illnesses and medication, and if you are pregnant (Teeth and pregnancy). Read about medication and oral health and dry mouth.
Book a visit
Call or send a request. Please tell us about any illnesses or medication, and we will adapt the visit to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can poor oral health cause heart disease?
A link is seen between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, but it is not known for certain that one causes the other. Shared risk factors, such as smoking, may play a part.
Does diabetes affect the teeth?
Yes, diabetes raises the risk of gum inflammation and gum disease, and severe gum disease can in turn make blood sugar harder to keep stable.
Should I tell the dental hygienist about my medication?
Yes. Many medicines affect the mouth, for example by causing dry mouth. It helps us tailor advice and treatment.
Can a dental hygienist detect illness?
We can see early signs in the gums and mucous membranes and recommend that you see a doctor or dentist. We do not diagnose general illnesses.
This text is general information and does not replace an individual assessment. Book a visit if you have symptoms or questions.
Questions about your oral health?
