We all know the pain and irritation of a toothache or ulcer, but did you know that the way you care for your mouth has an impact on your overall health and wellbeing? The health of your teeth and gums can influence other parts of your health and wellbeing, including everything from your heart and lungs to your mental health.
In this article, we uncover the surprising ways your mouth connects to the rest of your body, share the top things your dentist wants you to know, and hear from a real patient, whose recent experience with early-stage mouth cancer shows just how powerful regular check-ups can be.
Introducing the oral microbiome and how it affects more than your mouth
Our mouth is for far more than just talking and eating - it’s full of helpful and important organisms that protect your whole body, known as the oral microbiome. This is made up of millions of bacteria, fungi and viruses constantly interacting with each other. Your mouth can contain up to 700 known species of bacteria alone. It is the second most diverse microbiome in the body, second only to the one found in your gut.
Dr Neil Sikka, Chief Dental Officer, Bupa, explains that the good bacteria in your mouth are the body’s first defence against harmful microorganisms that might be present in food or drink. Because the oral microbiome acts as an early indicator of general health issues, researchers believe it could unlock significant advancements in overall healthcare.
That said, it’s worth remembering that your mouth can contain potentially harmful organisms as well. Changes to the oral environment (caused by things like diet, oral hygiene practices, smoking, medication and systemic illnesses ), and the fungi and viruses that make up your oral microbiome can cause issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. There is also growing evidence that changes to your oral microbiome can influence a variety of other health conditions in the body.
The goal is to cultivate a balanced oral microbiome for your overall health - and effective dental hygiene plays a key role in helping achieve this balance.
When your dentist is giving you an oral examination, they’re not only looking at the health of your teeth and gums. They’re also assessing the overall health of your oral microbiome.
Physical health conditions linked to our oral health
Lungs
Your mouth is the entry point to your lungs and if you have gum disease, for example, you may breathe in harmful bacteria. This could lead to potentially serious health conditions, such as pneumonia. Poor oral health has also been linked to reduced respiratory function - a condition where the normal process of breathing and gas exchange in the lungs is impaired.
Cardiovascular
Changes in your oral microbiome can be connected to problems with your heart and blood vessels too. Dr Sikka says that “Looking after your dental health is something you can do to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.” Poor dental health could contribute to:
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Narrowing of arteries and coronary heart disease
- Endocarditis (infection of heart chambers and valves)
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
Gut and overall health
A specific imbalance in the oral microbiome has been associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Studies suggest that bacteria from the mouth can travel to the digestive system and may play a role in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease by increasing inflammation.
Mental wellbeing and cognitive issues connected to our oral wellbeing
Our oral health can influence our cognitive powers, mood and mental clarity. There are also several ways that poor dental health can affect your mental wellbeing, including low self-esteem and confidence. Ongoing pain or discomfort can also make it more difficult to socialise while visible dental issues can knock your self-esteem and make social situations feel more daunting. Over time, these effects can quietly chip away at your overall sense of wellbeing - showing just how closely our mouths and minds are connected.
Dr Sikka also stresses the fact that “experiencing poor mental health can sometimes lead to poor dental hygiene. Support for a mental health condition might make it easier to keep on top of your oral health.”
There is emerging research that suggests a link between long-term gum disease (also known as Periodontitis) and Alzheimer’s disease. Although both conditions are more common as we get older - which makes it hard to prove one causes the other - studies have found that people with poor oral health may be at higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
Helen’s story: why regular dental visits matter
In 2023, Helen discovered just how important it is to stay on top of oral health. Known for her active lifestyle and clean-eating habits, Helen has always been proactive with her health and wellbeing. At a routine dental appointment 10 years ago, she was diagnosed with lichen planus, a condition that can sometimes precede cancerous changes. As a result, she began having regular biopsies every six months to monitor for any changes, and prioritised dental check-ups, seeing a hygienist every couple of months. During a check-up in 2023, something new was spotted: a small sore on her upper gum.
That single observation led to an urgent referral and, shortly afterwards, an early-stage mouth cancer diagnosis. Because it was caught so quickly, Helen was able to undergo surgery in July 2023 before the cancer spread, avoiding chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After an intensive operation and months of recovery, she’s rebuilding her strength and remains committed to her check-ups.
Her message is simple: regular dental visits and noticing changes early can save your life.
Common signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Unexplained white or red patches in the mouth
- Persistent mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
- Lumps or swellings in the mouth, jaw or neck
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue
A dentist visit is about more than just your mouth
Ensuring fresh breath and a bright smile aren’t the only reasons to attend regular check ups. Dr Sikka reminds us they are one of the best ways to catch small issues before they become bigger problems. As Helen’s experience shows, being proactive, staying aware of changes, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups can make an extraordinary difference.
As Dr Sikka puts it: “Your mouth is a window into your wider health, and caring for your oral health is a simple, effective way to protect your overall wellbeing.”
Remember, if you notice any changes or discomfort, don’t wait for your next appointment. Reach out to your dental team for advice as soon as possible.
About our contributor
Dr Neil Sikka is a Dentist at Moorgate Bupa Dental Care, Chief Dental Officer for Bupa UK Insurance, and Director of Dentistry at Bupa Dental Care. Neil also leads the Bupa relationship with the charity, Dentaid - Bupa funds clinics, mobile dental units and provides volunteers all over the UK and abroad to support treatment of the homeless and vulnerable.
