3 unexpected ways oral health impacts your body

Your mouth does a lot more than talking. It can signal a range of more than 100 chronic illnesses in other parts of the body, from heart disease to hormonal milestones like menopause.

“The mouth is the gateway to the entire body, and good oral health habits can bring full-body benefits,” said Daniel W. Croley, DMD, chief dental officer for Delta Dental Insurance Company. “Flossing your teeth daily increases your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime by lowering the risk of gum disease, which can lead to an array of health issues.”

Routine dental visits are a key component in preventing gum disease, as dentists are trained to remove tartar from teeth, which can irritate gums and, over time, can lead to tooth loss.

Heart Health

Emerging research shows flossing may be a factor in reducing stroke risk and the irregular heart rhythm that increases the likelihood of a stroke event.

"Routine brushing and flossing may lower the risk for stroke events because it cleans the plaque from your teeth and gums, reducing bacteria in your mouth that can get into your bloodstream.” Dr. Croley said. “Plaque buildup on teeth can eventually lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream through the small blood vessels in the mouth, traveling throughout the body to the lungs, heart, and many other organs.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, but it is preventable. Recent research suggests that flossing – even just once per week – can lower the risk of stroke by up to 44% in some cases, and other cardiovascular diseases. Although flossing is not a cure-all for good cardiovascular health, studies continue to confirm its undeniable importance in preventative healthcare.

Bone Density

Your dentist may be the first health expert to detect osteoporosis, a bone disease that can weaken bone density. While dental x-rays are built to identify tooth decay and detect bone loss associated with Periodontal disease, a disease of the bone that supports the teeth, dental x-rays can also be an important early screening for osteoporosis. Approximately 10 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and it is most common in women 50 years of age and older.

Dentists are trained to detect early stages through a medical history review and an X-ray examination. Certain risk factors that contribute to the development of osteoporosis include genetics, tobacco use, calcium deficiencies, and menopause.

Reduce your risk of jawbone density loss with early lifestyle adjustments, such as incorporating a calcium-rich diet, good oral hygiene, and limiting consumption of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.

Reproductive Health

During menopause, the body’s estrogen production declines, which lowers the mouth’s natural saliva production. Yet  52% of U.S. women aged 40+ say they are unaware of how menopause can impact their oral health.

“Saliva is the mouth’s natural buffer, as it cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids,” said Dr. Croley. “Reduced saliva can create a wide range of problems, most commonly dry mouth, and this can lead to tooth decay, which may ultimately cause tooth loss.”

Delta Dental Insurance Company’s recent survey found that less than 20% of women (40+) have had such discussions with an oral health provider, including their dentist. Further, 4-in-5 dentists surveyed indicate they are open to discussing the impact of menopause on their oral health. However, most say they would not initiate the discussion unless the patient brought up the topic first.

This means it’s up to patients to initiate dialogue with dentists. If you’re uncomfortable discussing menopause from the dentist’s chair, try starting the conversation using an email template before heading into your next checkup.

Learn more

Maintaining oral health is key to supporting total wellness at any age, and consistency is key to tending to your smile.  For more expert oral health tips, visit Delta Dental’s Wellness Library.