The dental medical connection: The Mouth Matters^SM

Why do you visit the dentist?

If you’re like most people, you may answer

• “To get my teeth cleaned.”
• “To have a tooth pulled.”
• “To get a cavity filled.”

But a dental visit is not just about teeth. It is also about 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

For example, people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get fungal and viral infections in the mouth.

Medicines can affect the health of your mouth

Many drugs cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth 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. This can make your diabetes harder to control. Researchers also know that gum disease is a risk factor for heart disease.  And treating a pregnant woman's gum disease may reduce her risk of giving birth prematurely or having a low-birth weight baby.

How your dentist can help

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

More information

To find out more, contact customer service.