Understanding the Connection Between Your Mouth and Body
As dental health professionals, we believe that education empowers our patients to take better care of their oral health, which is actually critical to their overall health and wellness. Maintaining good oral health is not just about a bright smile; it’s integral to your entire well-being. Emerging research has identified the links between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health. Our hope is by raising awareness and ensuring our patients understand these connections, the care we provide will exceed the typical expectations of professional oral care.
We’ve curated the following resources below to help our patients learn how your oral health impacts your general health. Check back regularly as we will update this list with additional publications as they become available. We also invite you to check out our blog, to which we publish timely topics about dental health each month.
1. Mouth Healthy: Oral Health by the American Dental Association
The American Dental Association provides comprehensive information on maintaining oral health at every stage of life.
Visit MouthHealthy.org
2. Introduction: Our Mouths, Ourselves
An overview of how oral health is deeply connected to overall health, emphasizing the importance of dental care in daily life.
Read the Introduction
3. Invaders and the Body’s Defenses
Explores how harmful bacteria in the mouth can trigger the body’s immune response, affecting overall health.
Learn More
4. Heart Health and Inflammation
Discusses the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health, highlighting the role of inflammation.
Discover the Connection
5. The Three-Way Street
Examines the interrelationship between oral health, systemic health, and lifestyle choices.
Explore the Concept
6. Interview: Buzz Talk with Marjorie K. Jeffcoat
An insightful interview with Dr. Jeffcoat discussing the systemic implications of oral health.
Read the Interview
7. Oral Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Highlights specific oral health concerns and considerations for women at different life stages.
Find Out More
8. As the Body Ages
Discusses how aging affects oral health and the importance of dental care in older adults.
Learn About Aging and Oral Health
9. Insights: Oral Health Around the World
Provides a global perspective on oral health practices and challenges in different countries.
Gain Global Insights
10. Public Policy and Oral Health
Explores how legislation and public policy impact oral health initiatives and access to care.
Understand Public Policy
11. Interview: Discussion with David Satcher
A conversation with the former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Satcher on the importance of oral health in public health.
Drop in on the Discussion
12. Research Snapshot: A Novel Approach to Inflammation
Presents new research on how inflammation links oral health to other systemic conditions.
View the Research
13. Path to Prevention: A Mouthful of Bugs
Discusses the role of oral bacteria in health and disease, emphasizing preventive care.
Explore Prevention Strategies
14. Interview: The ADA’s Take
An interview with representatives from the American Dental Association on current oral health topics.
Read the ADA’s Perspective
15. CDC: Periodontal Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information on the prevalence and prevention of gum disease.
Visit the CDC Resource