Mississippi State Department of Health

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

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When you brush and floss the right way, you lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. Keeping a healthy mouth keeps your entire body healthier.

Why Does Oral Health Matter?

More and more health conditions are being linked to your oral health as a result of bacteria and inflammation that occur in the mouth. Gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and contribute to a wide range of chronic health problems, such as:

More than 45 percent of adults 30 years and older have some form of gum disease, which increases their risk for these health problems.

Older Adults: Oral Health Matters More

2/3 of adults over age 65 have gum disease.

When older adults become less active and more dependent on others, oral care can suffer. And even small declines in memory and attention that come with age means that brushing and flossing can become less regular. Over time, these can cause the risk from poor oral health to gradually increase.

Older adults get all the benefits of good oral care that others do, such as lowering chronic disease risk. But this can matter more as you get older:

  • Cancer risk naturally rises with age, but you can lower your risk of oral cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, among others, when you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Diabetes is more likely to develop as you grow older, especially when you are less active daily. Gum disease is closely linked to heightened diabetes risk, so oral health becomes more important for seniors.
  • Medications for some chronic health conditions can cause dry mouth. Without the protective effects of saliva, oral bacteria can grow more readily. Your doctor or dentist can help with dry mouth, but extra care with oral hygiene is vital, too.

Develop a good relationship with your dentist and get oral health checkups when your dentist recommends them.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Gum disease, infections and even oral cancer have early indications that are important to watch for.

See your dentist if you notice any of these signs of gum or mouth infection:

Also watch for these changes in your mouth that can be signs of possible oral cancer. Let your dentist know if they don't go away after a few days:

Four Steps to Great Oral Health

Lower your risk for oral and chronic diseases with the Daily 4:

Get the Facts

Brush Right!

Is there a right way to brush teeth? You bet there is! Watch a professional dentist show you the best way to brush in just two minutes.

Brushing and Flossing: Step by Step

More Information



Links referenced on this page
In Depth: The Links Between Oral Health and Overall Health for Older Adults    https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest-Institute_Beyond-A-Nice-Smile_Older-Adults_patients.pdf
Oral health and overall health    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
The link between heart health and oral health    https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/march/gum-disease-and-heart-disease
Diabetes and oral health    https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/keeping-your-mouth-healthy
Asthma and oral health    https://www.indianapca.org/resource/articles/asthma-and-your-oral-health-2/
Smoking and oral health    https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/smoking
   https://www.mouthhealthy.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/mouthhealthy/files/activity-sheets/adahowtobrush_eng.pdf
Infographic: Step-by-step guide to brushing    https://www.mouthhealthy.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/mouthhealthy/files/activity-sheets/adahowtobrush_eng.pdf
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdoPXNKNm4
Video: Step-by-step guide to flossing    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdoPXNKNm4
Practice a good oral hygiene routine    https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
MouthHealthy.org: The whole story on oral health    https://www.mouthhealthy.org/

Find this page at https://msdh.ms.gov/page/43,18085,151,816.html

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