The Health Risks of Neglecting Oral Care

Maintaining good oral health goes far beyond having healthy teeth and a bright smile. The condition of your mouth and gums could affect other parts of your body, from your heart to your immune system to your brain.^1,2 Understanding the health risks of poor oral care can help protect you from not only cavities and gum disease, but also from systemic diseases throughout the body.³

The health risks of neglecting oral care

You might know that neglecting oral care can lead to cavities and bad breath. But the health risks of poor oral care don't end there – the bacteria in your mouth also impacts the rest of your body. A buildup of germs can lead to inflammation and serious disease.³

A lack of good oral hygiene could lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease. Infected gums can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation and other health conditions.³

There could be a connection between your oral health and overall health. Taking care of your teeth could help reduce the health risks of poor oral hygiene.

Oral health and systemic diseases

Research has shown a connection between oral health issues and systemic diseases. Gum disease, in particular, has been linked to such systemic health issues as:¹

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Lung disease
• Alzheimer's
• Cancer, including oral cancer
• Pneumonia

Poor oral care can also exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The inflammation it causes in the body can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and lead to infections of the heart.³

Oral health and the immune system are thought to be linked, since inflammation can make it harder for the immune system to fight off illness.⁴

Impact on chronic conditions

If you're already managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial. Poor oral health can worsen existing health issues.

When periodontal disease (gum disease) increases inflammation in the body, for example, it can aggravate diabetes. It can also cause endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart chambers or valves, and has been linked to clogged arteries and heart disease.³

The good news is that gum disease is often preventable if you keep up with brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Preventive dentistry can help keep your mouth healthy, thereby reducing the risk of gum disease and its associated chronic diseases.

Oral health and the immune system

Your oral health can influence your body's immune system. Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and helps control the germs entering the body.³

Weakened oral health can mean harmful bacteria can get into the body and bloodstream, causing inflammation and burdening your immune system.³ Your immune system has an even tougher job if this invasion of bacteria causes systemic diseases.⁴

Fortunately, improving your oral hygiene can support your overall health. By taking care of your teeth, you can help limit bad bacteria and plaque, and prevent overgrowth that can lead to infection.⁵

You'll also keep down chronic inflammation that would impair your body's ability to heal itself.⁶ Plus, you'll maintain healthy saliva, which is essential for neutralizing dietary acids that can cause tooth erosion.⁷

Oral health and respiratory health

Oral health and respiratory health are linked. After all, your mouth isn't just the gateway to your stomach; it also connects to your lungs.³ If you develop an oral infection, the bacteria can be inhaled into your respiratory tract, causing pneumonia.³

As mentioned, increased inflammation in the body can burden the immune system. If you're already dealing with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, you could experience worse systems.⁸

Or, you could have trouble fighting off or recovering from respiratory infections.³ Good oral hygiene can prevent pathogens from being inhaled into the lungs and keep down inflammation that impacts respiratory health.³

A good oral hygiene routine will not only include daily brushing and flossing to prevent gum disease, but also routine checkups at your dentist.⁵ If you have respiratory issues, communicate with your dentist so they can provide tailored care.

Oral health during pregnancy

Understanding the link between oral health and pregnancy is important if you're expecting.

Pregnant women should take extra care of their teeth, since hormonal changes can increase the risk of gingivitis, which could progress into gum disease.⁹ Studies have connected gum disease to premature births and low birth weight.¹⁰

Changes in eating habits can also increase the risk of cavities.¹¹ Morning sickness, furthermore, can cause stomach acid to come in contact with the teeth and erode enamel.¹²

Preventive dentistry measures include regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings at the dentist. If you develop gum disease, seek treatment to reduce the risk of a premature birth.

Preventive measures for optimal oral health

Taking care of your teeth is clearly important, but what are the best practices for oral hygiene and preventive dentistry? Here are some tips for avoiding tooth decay and maintaining healthy gums:⁵

• Brush your teeth for two full minutes at least twice a day (and brush your tongue too, while you're at it). Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush, along with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
• Floss your teeth at least once per day to remove food particles and plaque buildup. If you use a water flosser, make sure to use traditional dental floss as well. Water flossers can remove large pieces of food, but they can't remove biofilm from your teeth like traditional dental floss can.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks that can cause cavities. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, since the foods you eat can contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen your teeth.¹³ Avoid using tobacco products, which can increase the risks of gum disease. Avoid using tobacco products, which can increase the risks of gum disease. 
• Visit the dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings, or at your dentist’s recommendation to monitor any disease or oral health risks you may have. And if you have any issues, such as bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, visit your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Regular visits to the dentist can keep your teeth clean and prevent plaque build-up and gum disease. Plus, your dentist can keep an eye on any issues with your permanent teeth and oral health, such as a receding gum line or dry mouth, and recommend treatment if the condition worsens.

They can also customize your oral care treatment if you're experiencing any other health problems, like respiratory conditions or diabetes.

How MetLife can help reduce dental health risks

MetLife offers flexible dental insurance plans that can help make preventive care more affordable and accessible. Your plan, which you typically get through your employer, will vary. But most MetLife plans cover 100% of preventive care services at in-network dentists. These services typically include regular cleanings, check-ups, and X-rays.

MetLife's plans may also cover treatments for early signs of gum disease and cavities, helping you avoid the systemic health risks linked to poor oral hygiene. Depending on your employer, you may be able to choose among different types of plans, such as a MetLife HMO or PPO, and also choose different coverage levels to ensure you and your family get the coverage you need.

MetLife's MyBenefits portal allows members to access their plan details any time, so you can find an in-network dentist, estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and view the status of submitted claims. You can also find providers with MetLife’s SpotLite on Oral Health designation. This designation is given to in-network providers that meet certain criteria for preventive oral health care.

The role of nutrition in oral health

Nutrition and oral health are strongly connected. Some nutrition tips for avoiding tooth decay include:¹⁰

• Avoid or limit sugary snacks and beverages¹⁴
• Eat a balanced diet that's rich in vitamins, minerals, and fresh fruits and vegetables¹⁴
• Consume foods high in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen your teeth¹³

These oral hygiene habits will help promote your dental and systemic health.

Better oral care and overall health

Maintaining oral health is critical for avoiding gum disease, tooth decay, and systemic health conditions like heart disease and respiratory infections. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can prevent bacteria from spreading throughout your body, causing inflammation and other conditions.

Best practices for oral hygiene include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once a day, and getting regular check-ups and cleanings at the dentist. A holistic approach to preventive dentistry also includes proper nutrition, namely eating a balanced diet and restricting sugary foods that can erode tooth enamel.

Understanding the health risks of poor oral care, as well as the link between oral health and your immune system, may motivate you to prioritize your oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth will give you a great smile while promoting your overall wellness.