Poor Oral Health Can Impact Your Entire Body, Expert Warns

Good oral hygiene goes far beyond maintaining a bright smile—it could be crucial to your overall health.

Dr. Elise Sarvas, a pediatric dentist with Mayo Clinic, explains that neglecting oral care can lead to serious complications throughout the body. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart infections, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, and even pneumonia.

"The mouth is the gateway to both the respiratory system and to the digestive system, and it can have implications far beyond just your teeth," Dr. Sarvas said.

The culprit? Bacteria. When harmful bacteria overgrow in the mouth, they can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation that spreads beyond the oral cavity.

Dr. Sarvas recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day—noting that skipping floss means missing nearly 40% of tooth surfaces.

Watch the full video above to learn more about the connection between oral health and overall wellness, plus additional tips for keeping your mouth healthy.