Why Oral Health Matters for Your Heart, Diabetes, and More

When we think about health, we often separate dental care from the rest of the body. But your mouth and body are closely connected. Problems like gum disease or infections don’t just stay in your mouth. They can affect your heart, diabetes, pregnancy, and even brain health.

October is National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. This is a great time to remember that caring for your teeth and gums is about more than a smile. It’s about protecting your whole body.

Child brushing teeth at home as part of daily oral health routine.

Why Oral Health Matters

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Most are harmless, but if you don’t brush and floss, harmful bacteria can build up. This can cause infections, swelling, and even lead to serious health problems in the rest of your body (CDC, 2023).

Oregon Oral Health Facts

  • Nearly 1 in 3 Oregon adults has lost at least one permanent tooth. This is due to decay or gum disease (Oregon Health Authority, 2024).
  • About 22% of Oregon’s 3rd graders have untreated cavities. This is higher than the U.S. average of 16% (Oregon Smile & Oral Health Survey, 2022).
  • Oregon ranks 36th in the nation for access to dental care. Many people have trouble getting appointments, especially in rural areas (America’s Health Rankings, 2023).

Related: How to Take Care of Your Smile Between Dental Visits

Gum Disease & Heart Health

Gum disease makes you more likely to develop heart disease. In fact, people with gum disease are 2–3 times more likely to have heart problems (CDC, 2023).

Why? Bacteria from the gums can enter the blood. This causes swelling in blood vessels, which may lead to clogged arteries, heart attacks, or strokes (NIH, 2023).

Prevention Tip: Brush, floss, and get regular dental cleanings to lower your risk.

Dentist, dental assistant, and patient during a dental exam at Neighborhood Health Center.

Diabetes & Oral Health

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar (Oregon Diabetes Report, 2022). Why?

  • High blood sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, raising infection risk.
  • Gum swelling makes it harder for the body to manage blood sugar.
  • Treating gum disease can actually improve blood sugar control (CDC, 2023).

Prevention Tip: People with diabetes should make dental care a priority.

Oral Health & Pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy make gums more sensitive. This raises the risk for gum disease, which has been linked to:

  • Preterm birth (babies born too early)
  • Low birth weight
  • Preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure) (CDC, 2023)

In Oregon, 46% of pregnant women did not get a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Cleanings are safe and encouraged (Oregon PRAMS, 2022).

Prevention Tip: Tell your dentist you’re pregnant and keep up with regular cleanings.

Related: Why Dental Hygienists are in Medical Clinics

Close-up of healthy gums and teeth after professional dental cleaning

Other Conditions Linked to Oral Health

  • Lung infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, causing pneumonia in older adults (CDC, 2023).
  • Brain health: Gum disease has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease (NIH, 2023).
  • Arthritis: People with gum disease are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, since both involve inflammation (CDC, 2023).

How to Protect Your Health

  • Brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Eat fewer sugary foods, more fruits and veggies.
  • Drink water to wash away bacteria.
  • Visit the dentist every six months.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.

How NHC Can Help

Need a check-up? Call NHC to schedule your dental appointment today!

Sources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Oral Health Conditions. 2023.
  • Oregon Health Authority. Oregon Oral Health Surveillance System. 2024.
  • Oregon Health Authority. Oregon Smile & Oral Health Survey. 2022.
  • Oregon Health Authority. Oregon Diabetes Report. 2022.
  • Oregon Health Authority. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). 2022.
  • America’s Health Rankings. Annual Report on Dental Access. 2023.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease. 2023.

Wyatt flashes a big smile for his headshot photo, in scrubs.

Dr. Wyatt Wilson, Family Dentist at NHC Canby Medical & Dental Clinic

This article was reviewed by Dr. Wyatt Wilson, DMD, Family Dentist at NHC Canby Medical & Dental Clinic. Dr. Wilson provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. With experience in private practice and fluency in Spanish, he brings both skill and accessibility to his care. A member of the American Dental Association and the Washington County Dental Society, Dr. Wilson is committed to improving oral health across the community.