Investigating the Mouth-Body Relationship

Consider your mouth to be the entrance to your body. Your general health will be impacted by how you treat your gums and teeth.

Find out how taking care of your mouth can keep you healthy!

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Diabetes and dental health issues.

Did you know that 34.2 million Americans of all ages have diabetes, according to estimates from 2018? If you are diabetic, your dentist is concerned.

Why? Given that diabetes can result in

  • dry mouth
  • thrush-like fungal infections
  • tooth loss

AND

  • difficulty managing your blood sugar

Among adults, 1 in 5 are unaware that they have diabetes. See your physician to get tested for diabetes. Afterwards, schedule a dental appointment to maintain oral health. Gum disease is less common in diabetics who maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and control their insulin levels.

The condition of your teeth and heart disease.

A brief science lesson: Your heart is necessary!
We’re still learning how the two function together, so what does your mouth have to do with your heart?

What are our current understandings?

  • Take medication for high blood pressure AND maintain healthy gums? It is possible that you are improving the effectiveness of your medication. Click here to read more.
  • Do you have periodontal disease? Your risk of suffering a heart attack might be rising.
  • Do you have any lost teeth? Peripheral artery disease may be more likely to affect you.

The state of your teeth during pregnancy.

Congratulations! – You are a mother! Your family benefits from your good oral health. Thus, let’s establish the norm PRIOR to the baby’s arrival.

First! Enjoy being pregnant! See your dentist after that.

Dental care is safe during your entire pregnancy, including:

  • Radiography
    Your dental team will cover and safeguard you and your infant with a lead apron.
  • Regular care – such as exams and cleanings
    Come see us as long as you can comfortably lie on your back!
  • Emergency dental care, including fillings, root canals, and extractions
    Not getting dental care could cause problems during pregnancy.

AND

  • Medications
    Your dental staff will discuss available choices. Everything provided is secure for you and your baby

SALIVA / GI and dental health.

It may surprise you to learn that saliva or spit can shield your teeth.

  • It keeps your mouth moist, which facilitates speaking and swallowing.
  • supplies nutrients that help maintain strong teeth, such as calcium
  • cleans, removing any food residue.

ACID. Have you ever observed the corrosion that results from leaving a battery in a toy or remote control for an extended period of time? In the mouth, the same thing is possible. Your risk of developing cavities depends on how frequently and how long acid remains in your mouth.

Acid may originate from

  • Foods and Beverages
  • There are no bacteria or saliva in the mouth.
  • In addition, disorders of the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease and GERD can alter the mouth’s acidity.

Sleep apnea and the condition of your teeth.

Nothing beats snuggling up under blankets to get a good night’s sleep!

Sleep promotes healthy brain function, physical healing, and increased productivity. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are all made more likely by inadequate sleep.

Poor sleep can be brought on by breathing disorders connected to sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnea.

Your dentist can assist you in getting a good night’s sleep!

Did you know?

Your dental team can screen you for risk factors like

  • A large tongue
  •  Large tonsils
  • Mouth breathing
  • Breathing pauses during sleep

Your dentist will work with your medical doctor to come up with a plan which can include

  • An oral appliance
  • Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy
  • Changes in sleeping position

Oral-Systemic Health FAQs

How does my oral health affect my overall health?

Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections can influence overall wellness. Poor oral health has been linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and sleep apnea.

Why is dental health important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes increases the risk of dry mouth, fungal infections, tooth loss, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. Good oral hygiene, routine dental care, and proper diabetes management help reduce the risk of gum disease and related complications.

Can gum disease affect heart health?

Yes. Research suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart attack, worsen high blood pressure, and contribute to other cardiovascular issues. Healthy gums may even improve the effectiveness of certain heart medications.

Is dental care safe during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, and emergency treatments such as fillings or root canals are all safe during pregnancy. Your dental team will use protective measures like lead aprons and pregnancy-safe medications.

What role does saliva play in dental and digestive health?

Saliva protects teeth by neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and supplying essential minerals like calcium. Acid from foods, reduced saliva, or digestive conditions like GERD or Crohn’s disease can increase cavity risk.

How is sleep apnea connected to oral health?

Sleep apnea can contribute to systemic issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Dentists can identify oral signs of sleep apnea—such as large tonsils, mouth breathing, or tongue size—and collaborate with medical doctors to provide treatments like oral appliances or PAP therapy.