How Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body
At Mark Bilello DDS and Houma Comprehensive Dentistry, we view your mouth as the gateway to your body. What happens in your mouth can influence your heart, lungs, immune system, and even pregnancy outcomes. Modern research continues to confirm that oral health and systemic health are deeply connected.
Neglecting your gums and teeth can increase your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and more. Here’s what the science tells us—and how caring for your smile supports your entire body.
1. Gum Disease and Heart Health
Studies show that people with gum disease are 2–3 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. Oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream through inflamed gums, triggering inflammation that affects your arteries and increases your risk for cardiovascular problems.
How it impacts your body:
- Oral bacteria contribute to clogged arteries
- Inflammation damages blood vessel linings
- Chronic infection can elevate blood pressure
Regular checkups and professional cleanings reduce harmful bacteria, protecting both your smile and your heart.
2. Oral Health and Diabetes: A Two-Way Relationship
Gum disease and diabetes fuel each other. Diabetes makes you more prone to gum infections, and untreated gum disease can raise blood sugar levels—making diabetes harder to manage.
Key insight:
Treating gum disease can lower HbA1c levels by up to 1.0%, comparable to adding another diabetes medication. That’s why the American Diabetes Association recommends dental care as part of diabetes management.
What to do:
Maintain consistent oral hygiene and schedule routine dental visits to help control inflammation and support better blood sugar balance.
3. The Mouth–Lung Connection
Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to or worsening respiratory infections like pneumonia, COPD, and bronchitis—especially in older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits remove bacterial buildup, lowering the risk of these complications.
4. Oral Health During Pregnancy
Pregnant women with gum disease face 3–7 times higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and complications such as preeclampsia. Inflammatory proteins from gum infections can even trigger premature labor.
What to do:
Schedule routine cleanings and exams during pregnancy to protect both your oral health and your baby’s well-being.
5. Inflammation and Immune Function
Chronic gum infections create persistent inflammation throughout your body, straining your immune system and increasing the risk of autoimmune issues, fatigue, and slower recovery from illness.
Healthy gums reduce overall inflammation, supporting your immune health and longevity.
How to Protect Both Your Oral and Overall Health
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day to remove bacteria between teeth
- Avoid tobacco and limit sugary foods
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet
- Visit your dentist every six months
- Follow through with recommended treatments
At Houma Comprehensive Dentistry, we make preventive care simple, comfortable, and personalized for every patient.
Prioritize Your Health—Starting with Your Smile
Your dental visits are more than just cleanings—they’re part of your long-term wellness strategy. By maintaining excellent oral health, you reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and systemic inflammation while strengthening your immune system.
📞 Call (985) 332-3134 to schedule your exam with Dr. Mark Bilello
🗓️ Or book your appointment online
Comprehensive Care for Total Wellness
At Mark Bilello DDS, we believe your oral health is the foundation of your overall health. Our team combines preventive care, patient education, and advanced treatment to protect your complete well-being—one smile at a time.