When you think about staying healthy, you probably think about eating right, exercising, or getting enough sleep. But did you know that brushing and flossing your teeth every day is also a big part of staying healthy? That’s right—your mouth is more connected to the rest of your body than you might think. Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about a nice smile. It can actually help protect your heart, your brain, and even your lungs. That’s because how dental hygiene affects your whole body is more important than many people realize.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how dental hygiene affects your whole body. You’ll also learn simple ways to keep your mouth healthy and feel your best every day.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body
Your mouth is where everything enters your body—food, drinks, and even germs. When your mouth is clean and healthy, it acts as a barrier to harmful bacteria. But when you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, those bacteria can build up, leading to problems in your mouth and beyond.
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is one of the most common issues caused by poor dental hygiene. Gum disease starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and gums. If not removed by brushing and flossing, plaque can cause your gums to get red, swollen, and bleed easily. Over time, this can lead to infections, tooth loss, and even damage to other parts of your body.
How dental problems affect the rest of your body
You might be surprised to learn that gum disease and tooth infections don’t just stay in your mouth. The bacteria from your mouth can travel through your bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation has been linked to many serious health problems, including:
1. Heart Disease
People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease. In fact, the same bacteria that cause gum problems can stick to the walls of your blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, or strokes.
2. Stroke
When blood vessels are inflamed or blocked, your risk for stroke goes up. Studies have shown that people with gum disease have a higher chance of experiencing a stroke, especially if the gum disease is severe.
3. Respiratory Infections
If you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth, you might breathe them into your lungs—especially if your immune system is weak. This can lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia.
4. Diabetes
People with diabetes already have a harder time fighting infections, and gum disease makes that worse. High blood sugar can also make gum problems harder to treat. It’s a two-way street: diabetes can make gum disease worse, and gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar.
5. Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant people with poor oral health are at higher risk of having babies who are born early or have low birth weight. Inflammation from gum disease can affect the whole body, including the uterus.
6. Brain Health
Some studies have even linked poor dental health to memory problems and brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. Although more research is needed, scientists believe that inflammation plays a big role.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
You might think, "I brush and floss every day—why do I need a cleaning?" While daily care is very important, professional cleanings go deeper. A dentist or hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that you can’t reach with a toothbrush.
Cleanings usually take about 30 to 60 minutes. During your visit, the dental team might also:
- Check your teeth and gums for early signs of disease
- Take x-rays if needed
- Offer fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel
- Give you tips on how to improve your brushing and flossing technique
Getting a cleaning once or twice a year helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems before they get serious.
Easy daily habits to keep your mouth healthy
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple habits can make a big difference:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
- Replace your toothbrush often
- Visit the dentist regularly
Even if your teeth don’t hurt, regular check-ups can catch problems early. Don’t wait for pain to make an appointment!
Don’t ignore these signs
Some people think dental problems aren’t a big deal, but ignoring them can lead to serious health issues. Call your dentist if you notice:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth
- Swollen or red gums
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
These could be signs of gum disease or infection. The earlier you treat them, the better.
Take the first step: Book your cleaning today
It’s easy to forget about dental health until there’s a problem, but prevention is key. Take advantage of your dental benefits and schedule your annual cleaning today. Your smile and your whole body will thank you!
At Sanitas, we care about you! If you’re not sure what’s included in your Sanitas plan, call us or log in to your member portal to review your dental benefits.
