National Wellness Month, observed every August, encourages individuals to incorporate healthy routines into their daily lives. One aspect of wellness that often goes unnoticed is oral health. Our oral health and overall wellness are undeniably connected. Let’s delve into this more.

The Importance of Oral Health

Oral health is more than just maintaining a bright smile; oral health can significantly impact systemic health, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the mouth.

Chronic oral diseases, such as periodontitis and tooth decay, create an ongoing source of inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate or even initiate systemic diseases.  Research has shown that oral health problems can contribute to severe health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Thus, maintaining good oral health is crucial not just for the sake of our teeth and gums, but for overall systemic health.

Oral Health as a Mirror to Overall Health

Oral health is often considered a mirror for overall health, reflecting the state of the body's general health. This is because the mouth is a sort of entry point to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and problems in these areas can often manifest as oral health issues.

Many systemic diseases, those that affect the entire body, like diabetes or HIV/AIDS, often first become apparent as mouth lesions or other oral health problems. For instance, people with diabetes often experience gum disease, which can be the first sign of poor blood glucose control. Moreover, conditions like osteoporosis might be detectable through changes in the jawbone and teeth.

Therefore, by examining the state of one's oral health, dentists can often gain insights into a person's overall health and possibly detect early signs of systemic diseases.

Make Oral Health An Aspect of Your Overall Wellness

During National Wellness Month and beyond, treat your oral health as a facet of your overall wellness. Simple everyday tasks such as regular brushing and flossing and using fluoride toothpaste can be beneficial.

Moreover, reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful in improving your oral health. These measures not only prevent oral health problems but also contribute to overall wellness by reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease and other health problems.

And don’t forget to visit us regularly. Regular visits are crucial not only for maintaining oral health but also for identifying potential systemic health issues. The comprehensive oral examinations that we perform can detect signs of diseases that affect the whole body.



Oral health plays a vital role in overall wellness. Don’t overlook it! Call or text us at 760-489-5545 to schedule an appointment to see us soon.