What you need to know

• The health of your teeth and gums affects the health of your whole body. 
• Research shows that poor oral health can increase your risk of heart disease, dementia, breathing issues, and even cancer. 
• You can protect your oral and overall health by cleaning your teeth daily, getting regular dentist checkups, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco.

When you brush and floss daily, you don’t just prevent cavities and gum disease: You also support your overall health.

Research shows that poor dental health may put you at risk for serious health issues, including infections, certain types of cancer, and dementia. People who are older, are pregnant, or have chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease are the most vulnerable to oral health-related risks. 

Here are some unexpected ways that dental health impacts your overall health and well-being.

Cardiovascular health 

For decades, researchers have studied a potential connection between oral health and cardiovascular diseases (conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels). Although it isn’t clear that dental issues cause cardiovascular issues, there is evidence that the two are linked. 

“Some studies have found that people with gum disease may be twice as likely to have a heart attack or a stroke,” said Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, on a 2021 episode of the “Love Your Heart” podcast.

Our mouths are home to an entire ecosystem of bacteria, some of which form plaque that sticks to your teeth and cause gum disease. These bacteria can also travel through blood vessels to other parts of your body. This causes inflammation, which can damage your blood vessels and even lead to blood clots and other cardiovascular issues.

Research suggests that gum disease-related inflammation can have a profound impact on your cardiovascular health. A 2017 review outlined multiple ways that the oral bacteria that cause tooth plaque and gum disease may also contribute to the buildup of harmful plaque in the arteries. 

“Gum disease can also create a portal for bacteria to enter the bloodstream,” added Ruthmann. “Research has shown that the same bacteria from common oral infections has also been found in plaques and blockages that form in our heart arteries.” 

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Like the heart, the brain is also susceptible to the germs that cause oral health issues. A 2019 study found that one of the bacteria that causes gum disease may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, travels from the mouth to the brain, where it can damage brain cells. High levels of the bacteria are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. 

A larger study the following year supported these results, showing that older adults with a history of gum disease were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, two 2022 studies found that an enzyme released by Porphyromonas gingivalis can contribute to the buildup of the two major proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

Several studies have also found a connection between dementia risk and tooth loss, which may result from gum disease, cavities, or physical trauma. A 2021 study showed that dementia risk increased with each tooth lost.

The findings “underscore the importance of maintaining good oral health and its role in helping to preserve cognitive function,” said Bei Wu, co-author of the study and co-director of New York University’s Aging Incubator. 

Cancer

In recent years, scientists have identified a type of bacteria most commonly found in the mouth that may play a role in some cancers. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a normal part of the community of bacteria that live in our mouths. But when there’s too much of the bacteria, it can cause infections like gingivitis. 

The bacteria flourish in the intestines of people with colon cancer—and one type appears to drive tumor growth, according to a 2024 study. The study, conducted in mice, found that the bacteria improved conditions for tumor formation and increased tumor growth. 

“Patients who have high levels of this bacteria in their colorectal tumors have a far worse prognosis,” said Susan Bullman, one of the study’s authors and an immunologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in a 2024 NBC News article. 

“They don’t respond as well to chemotherapy and they have an increased risk of recurrence,” she added.

Previous research found that a history of gum disease is associated with a significantly higher risk of stomach and esophageal cancers, as well as breast cancer. Notably, Fusobacterium nucleatum is found at high levels in breast cancer tumors, suggesting that the bacteria may also play a role in one of the most common types of cancer.

Respiratory infections 

Many bacteria can travel from our teeth, gums, and saliva to the lungs. Healthy lungs can typically fight harmful oral bacteria, preventing any harm. 

But in people with existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, these bacteria can trigger inflammation and infections, worsening the conditions. 

A 2022 review highlighted the evidence for a link between mouth bacteria and pneumonia, COPD, asthma, and other lung conditions. Bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory disease have also been found in tooth plaque, gums, and saliva. 

Several studies have identified a connection between poor oral health and respiratory illness, although the exact relationship remains unclear. For example, data “strongly suggest” an association between gum disease and asthma and “higher odds” of tooth loss in people with asthma and COPD.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is known to take a toll on oral health. But there’s also evidence that the health of your mouth can affect the health of your pregnancy. In fact, gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to serious pregnancy risks, including early labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.  

Preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure, is the second most common cause of maternal death. Research suggests that hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can worsen gum disease, which may in turn trigger an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Because of these risks, health care providers recommend maintaining dental hygiene, getting regular dental care, and quickly addressing any oral health concerns before and during pregnancy.

Tips to improve oral health 

• Brush and floss daily: The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. You may also use a mouthwash for additional protection. 
• Go to the dentist regularly: Regular dental cleanings help prevent gum disease and catch issues like cavities before they become a major concern. Don’t put off dental care until a problem arises. Prevention is better—and cheaper—than treatment. 
• No dental insurance? Find low-cost dental care: Don’t forgo regular care if you don’t have dental insurance. Dental schools, public and free clinics, community health centers, nonprofit organizations like United Way, and local and state health centers may offer affordable options. Learn more about accessing free or low-cost dental care here and here.
• Eat a balanced diet with limited sugar and acid: Foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid can cause tooth decay and weaken enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. 
• Avoid tobacco: All types of tobacco use, including vaping, have been linked to gum disease, inflammation, and oral cancer. 

For more information, talk to your dentist or health care provider.

This article first appeared on Public Good News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.