How Are Oral Health and Overall Health Connected?
Everyone knows that good oral health and hygiene can help maintain a bright smile and keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. However, newer research indicates that oral health is strongly linked to your overall health and well-being. The first step to maintaining better oral health is practicing excellent oral care and hygiene. A second step could be investing in dental insurance. Understanding how your oral health can influence other health issues can help you quickly identify symptoms and seek care. Let’s explore some key connections between oral and general health.
Does oral health influence overall health?
Poor oral health may be an indicator of other general health problems, but it may also increase the risk of general health issues. You may already know that oral diseases are associated with heart disease, a risk of stroke, and diabetes. Some research indicates that the relationship could be bi-directional.1 This means periodontal disease may worsen overall health and vice versa. However, in most cases, the relationship between oral health and general health concerns is a correlation rather than a causative relationship. While these conditions may occur together, one does not necessarily directly cause the other—instead, they may both result from shared risk factors like poor nutrition, smoking, or chronic inflammation.
Health concerns and their links to gum disease
Many different health conditions have been linked to oral health and gum disease, including the following:
- Heart disease: There’s a strong correlation between heart troubles and periodontal disease. People with gum disease may have higher rates of atherosclerosis.2 This is a condition in which plaque builds up in your arteries.3
- Strokes: People with poor oral health also have a higher risk of suffering a stroke compared to those with good gum health.4 Chronic inflammation from gum disease is linked to atherosclerosis. This can restrict blood flow to one’s brain and lead to a stroke.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a known risk factor for periodontitis. People with poorly controlled diabetes face an increased risk of gum disease. Diabetes can also slow down your healing process while you get treated for periodontal disease.5
- Pneumonia and respiratory issues: Plaque bacteria in your mouth can grow and multiply in people with poor oral hygiene. Inhaling this bacteria may send it to the lungs, where it can cause respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and more. People with weakened lungs face an increased risk.6,7
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can also increase your risk of gum disease. People who are pregnant may be more likely to experience bleeding gums and gingivitis. This can lead to more serious issues, such as tooth decay and even tooth loss.8
What you can do to improve your oral health
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the best ways to support your overall health. Here are some ways you can improve your oral health:9
- Brush and floss daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. You should also make sure to floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Smoking and chewing tobacco are strongly linked to tooth decay, tooth loss, and oral cancer.10 Alcohol can also dry out the mouth and weaken enamel. So, try to limit alcohol consumption and consider quitting smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed plaque-causing bacteria. Instead, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods to support strong teeth and gums.
- Get regular dental checkups: Professional cleanings and oral exams allow your dentist to remove tartar buildup and catch any issues early before you notice symptoms. For most people, visiting the dentist at least once per year is ideal, but some may need more frequent care.
Cost is one of the most common barriers to maintaining oral health. If you’re concerned about paying for routine visits or unexpected procedures, it’s worth exploring how to get dental insurance. By taking care of your oral health today, you’re also protecting your heart, brain, lungs, and more. Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly may seem like small steps, but the impact on your overall health can be significant.
Sources:
1 FDI World Dental Federation – Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship Between Oral Health and General Health, Updated February 28, 2025. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/exploring-bidirectional-relationship-between-oral-health-and-general-health. Accessed May 1, 2025.
2 BENEFEDS – Gum disease and the connection to heart disease. Updated October 8, 2024. https://www.benefeds.gov/wellness/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease. Accessed June 4, 2025.
3 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – What is Atherosclerosis? Updated October 28, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis. Accessed June 4, 2025.
4 Harvard Health – Gum disease and the connection to heart disease. Updated October 8, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease. Accessed May 1, 2025.
5 National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – Diabetes & Oral Health. Updated October 2024. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes. Accessed May 1, 2025.
6 Penn Dental Medicine – The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health, Published August 6, 2024. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/connection-between-oral-health-and-overall-health/. Accessed May 1, 2025.
7 American Thoracic Society – Dental Health. https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/dental-health.pdf. Accessed May 1, 2025.
8 American Dental Association – Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Gum Disease. https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/pregnancy-increases-risk-of-gum-disease/. Accessed May 1, 2025.
9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Oral Health Tips for Adults. Updated May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-adults.html. Accessed June 4, 2025.
10 U.S. Food & Drug Administration – How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health. Updated November 19, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-effects-tobacco-use/how-tobacco-use-affects-oral-health. Accessed June 4, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac Insurance Policies
In Arkansas, Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY82100–NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Oregon, Policies A82100ROR–A82400ROR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A82100RPA–A82400RPAR. In Texas, Policies A82100RTX–A82400RTX. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Tier One Insurance Policies
In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policy T80000PA. In Texas, Policy T80000TX.
Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
Tier One Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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