Mouth-Body Connection

4 reasons to get an oral cancer screening

Protect yourself from oral cancer by getting a screening the next time you visit the dentist.

5 medical conditions that can harm your mouth

From diabetes to stomach ulcers, a number of illnesses can wreak havoc on your oral health.

Acid reflux? Your dentist may notice before you do

Never have heartburn? That doesn't mean you don't have acid reflux. The good news is that if you have acid reflux, your dentist can detect symptoms of this disease during your regular oral examination.

Anxiety disorders contribute to oral health problems

If anxiety interferes with your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Both the disorder and the medicines used to treat it can affect your oral health, but there are ways you can maintain your healthy smile.

CDC report finds Americans have improved oral health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans of all ages continue to experience improvement in their oral health.

COPD and your gums

Did you know that your gum health can impact your lungs? If you have COPD, mouth bacteria can play a role.

Cancer and oral health

Learn how to care for your oral health when you're fighting cancer.

Dental health care for Alzheimer's patients

Proper dental care can maintain or increase an Alzheimer's patient's quality of life. Taking time to brush, floss, inspect his teeth and see his dentist on a regular basis should be top priorities.

Dentists detect diseases

The risks of developing diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increase with age. Since symptoms of these conditions can manifest in the mouth, dentists may be key in diagnosing the diseases.

Depression and your oral health

Your mood isn’t the only thing impacted by depression — it also takes a toll on your mouth and teeth. If depression is an issue for you or someone you love, try some of these tips to better manage its oral effects.

Diabetes and oral health

Studies show that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients.

Does your dentist know what's in your medicine cabinet?

If you haven't talked to your dentist lately about what medications you're taking, you should. From over-the-counter antihistamines to prescribed blood pressure regulators, many medications can cause side effects that negatively affect oral health.

Is there a link between glaucoma and oral health?

Learn about the possible connection between glaucoma and oral bacteria.

Healthy smile, healthy you: The importance of oral health

Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive — they can tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes.

High blood pressure and oral health

Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Learn how it can affect your dental health.

How many teeth are in that cigarette pack?

If you start smoking at age 18 and smoke one pack a day, you are likely to lose 4 or 5 teeth by the time you are 35 years old.

How seasonal allergies can affect your oral health

When allergy season is in full swing, your dental health may not be on the top of your mind. But a case of hay fever can make an impact on your teeth and gums. Here’s what to look out for and how to protect your mouth.

How your dentist can help diagnose the causes of your headaches

Your dentist can help you figure out the root causes of your headaches.

How Sjögren's syndrome affects your mouth

Dry mouth isn’t all. Here’s what you and your dentist need to know about this autoimmune disease.

How vegetarians can ensure good oral health

While a vegetarian diet can have great overall health benefits, vegetarians need to be aware of how this lifestyle choice can affect their oral health. By eliminating certain food groups, vegetarians can risk missing out on some key nutrients that are essential for good oral health.

Keeping your heart healthy with better oral care

Did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked?

Kicking the habit? Your mouth will thank you.

You may know smoking can have a negative impact on his overall health, but are you aware of the effects of cigarette smoking on your oral health?

Kidney disease and oral health

Learn how to manage the challenges of oral health and kidney disease, as well as how dialysis and diabetes can affect your oral health.

Myths and facts: The pregnant woman’s guide to dental health

Navigate the myths and facts about pregnant women and dental care.

Oral and overall health – get the connection

The first symptoms of many diseases may appear in your mouth. A dentist may be able to detect these diseases through an oral exam.

Oral cancer: What you need to know

Your dentist can perform a screening for oral cancer, which is most frequently found on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. Early detection and treatment is essential.

Oral health gives clues about eating disorders

More dentists are becoming the first line of defense when it comes to recognizing eating disorders in patients. A dentist may spot the warning signs of an eating disorder and be able to point parents in the right direction to get help.

Piercings and your oral health

The problems that can arise from an oral piercing might surprise you. In fact, most dentists discourage oral piercing because of these risks.

Pregnancy and dental health: What you need to know

Maintaining proper dental care is especially important during pregnancy to ensure overall health for both mom and baby.

Preventing gum disease may help avoid Alzheimer's

The Washington Post recently published an article citing three studies that demonstrated a correlation between gum (periodontal) disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Recognize the importance of oral health throughout your life

World Oral Health Day is celebrated on March 20. To honor the holiday, learn more about creating positive oral care habits for every stage of life.

Rheumatoid arthritis and oral health

Studies have shown that those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can improve their symptoms when maintain proper oral health.

The link between migraines and oral bacteria

Learn about the possible connection between migraines and oral bacteria.

The skinny on dieting and your teeth

Did you know that dieting can affect your teeth? Learn the oral health consequence of today's most popular diets.

Smoking and gum disease

A new study has found there's widespread evidence of another health hazard to consider when smoking — gum disease.

Stressed out? Your dentist can tell

Financial, family, work and other stresses can all take a toll on your teeth. Learn more about how the signs of stress can show up in your mouth and what you can do about it.

Studies link oral health with lower heart disease risk

Improving your oral health can lessen your heart disease risk, recent studies suggest.

Study links poor oral health to pancreatic cancer

Men with a history of gum (periodontal) disease could be at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Tobacco use and oral health

Learn about the impact tobacco use has on overall health, including gum disease and tooth loss.

Under the influence: Your teeth on drugs

It's no surprise that drugs are dangerous for your health. But do you know what they can do to your teeth and gums?

Using herbal supplements? Why you should tell your dentist.

Always tell your dentist about any medications and supplements you are taking, even herbal supplements and alternive medicines. Everything you ingest, even vitamins, causes a certain reaction and could affect your oral health.

Visit your dentist: Start smiling!

In addition to helping keep your smile healthy and bright, visiting the dentist at least once a year can help you experience greater overall well-being.

What asthma means for your oral health

Learn about the connections between asthma and oral health.

What medication can mean for your mouth

The pills, tablets and supplements you take to get well aren’t always good news for your teeth and gums.

What to eat to keep your teeth

Nutrition is important to oral health. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts strengthen immunity and help protect the teeth and gums.

A woman's mouth can say a lot about osteoporosis

If you're a woman, your dentist may be the first health professional to suspect you have osteoporosis — and refer you to a physician before the disease advances.