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Oral health is a key to overall health

A Lifetime of Smiles

Oral health touches every aspect of our lives but is often taken for granted. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. Our teeth, mouth, and gums can affect our general health. Without good oral care like brushing and flossing, that bacteria can take its toll and cause infection, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Below are articles to help our Blue Cross Blue ShieldBCBS FEP Dental members understand the importance of oral health and its connection to your overall health.

Dental Health and Overall Health
Brush up on Oral Health

Dental Health and Overall Health

Did you know 90% of the body's diseases show signs and symptoms in the mouth?

  • Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy increase a woman's risk for developing gingivitis or periodontal disease.
  • Gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. In fact, periodontal care can have a positive impact on measures of blood sugars in type 2 diabetics for at least three months.
  • Inflammation in the mouth caused by bacteria can increase your risk of a heart attack.
  • For cancer patients, chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, but may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth, which could lead to infection, and reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
  • Transplant patients need good oral health before they are eligible to receive a transplant and to help reduce the risk of infection afterwards.

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