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Dental Medical Connection: The Mouth Matters^TM
To many people a dental visit is about getting their teeth cleaned, having a tooth pulled or having a filling placed. However, a dental visit is not just about teeth. It is also about your overall health.

• What goes on in your mouth can affect the rest of your body and what goes on in the rest of your body can have an effect on your mouth.
• Many diseases and conditions can affect your oral health.
• People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get fungal and viral infections in the mouth.

Did You Know? Medication Can Affect the Health of Your Mouth
Many drugs cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk of dental decay, oral yeast infections and other oral infections.

Oral Health Can Affect Other Medical Conditions

• If you are a diabetic, an infection in your mouth can disrupt your blood-sugar levels and make your diabetes harder to control.
• Researchers are also exploring the role of periodontal (gum) disease as a potential risk factor for various medical conditions, including heart disease.

Your Dental Professional Plays an Important Role

• Your dentist might see something in your mouth that is a sign or symptom of an illness or disease.
• Your dentist can make sure you get specialized oral and dental care if you have a chronic condition that requires it.

Additional Information

Adult Dental Care
Dental Health During Pregnancy
Dental Care Nutrition
Diabetes and Oral Health
Oral Cancer
Periodontal Disease: Cause & Prevention

How To Obtain More Information
If you want more information about these topics, send a message to ask more information about the program via a secure email message to Aetna Member Services