Maintaining good oral health is more than just avoiding cavities—it also impacts your overall well-being. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help prevent serious diseases, reduce the risk of complications from chronic conditions, and even support your mental health. Here are some tips for brushing up on good oral health.
Understanding the Mouth and Body Connection
Your body is one big system that works together. Your oral health has many connections to other critical body organs and functions, such as:
- Brain: Poor dental health can lead to depression, affect your thinking skills, and cause other serious brain issues.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to get gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
- Bloodstream/Sepsis: An untreated tooth infection can spread bacteria into the bloodstream, which can cause sepsis (an extreme inflammatory reaction) in the body.
- Pregnancy/Reproductive system: Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure issues, early birth, and low birth weights.
- Bone: Daily brushing and flossing help preserve bone density. Without it, you can develop gum disease, which can lead to bone loss.
- Cancer: Gum disease affects about half of adults in the U.S. and has been linked to many cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, uterine, and gastrointestinal.
- Heart: Some mouth germs can cause swelling and infection, which can lead to strokes, heart issues, and artery problems.
- Lungs: Risk for lung disease increases with poor oral health. Some mouth germs can find their way to the lungs and cause illnesses like pneumonia, flu, and asthma.
- Gut: Mouth infections can increase the chances of gut issues. Bacteria from gum disease have also been found in colon and rectal cancer tumors.
Overcome Dental Anxiety
Dental cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. If uneasiness or anxiety sometimes keeps you from visiting the dentist, here are some helpful suggestions:
- Identify your fears: Understanding the root of your anxiety—whether pain, needles, drilling, or anesthesia—is key to coping with it.
- Learn healthy coping strategies: Taking proactive steps like telling your dentist’s office about your anxiety, bringing headphones to your appointment to listen to music, or asking your dentist about medication or sedation can help calm your nerves and get you in the dentist’s chair.
- Seek virtual care: Cigna members through the Allied benefit program can connect to virtual dental care on myCigna.com to speak with a dentist by phone or video, or try SmartScan, an at-home oral screening tool using your smartphone.
Think Before You Sip Sugary Drinks
What you drink can strengthen your teeth or wear them down. Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues in the U.S. and sugar plays a major role. Sugary beverages like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks increase the acid in your mouth and raise your risk of cavities and long term oral health issues. With just a few simple changes, you can make a big impact on your oral health:
- Hydrate with water—choose fluoridated water to help strengthen enamel.
- Limit sugary, acidic drinks and rinse with water after consuming.
- Wait to brush your teeth after drinking acidic beverages.
For those covered by the Allied benefit program and enrolled in dental, find more information about the Cigna dental plan at myCigna.com.