Oral Health and Overall Health Connection

DeCare’s New Benefits – A Healthier Smile, A Healthier You

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Hormonal changes during pregnancy (increased oestrogen and progesterone) raise the risk of gum inflammation, reduced saliva, dry mouth and tooth decay, especially with vomiting and cravings. Good daily home care (brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, rinsing) and a dental visit are essential. Untreated gum disease might affect birth weight and general health. Click to read more.

Chemotherapy and Oral Health

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy often damage the lining of the mouth and mouth sores (mucositis) can complicate treatment, eating and drinking. To reduce risks, see a dentist a month before treatment, share details of your cancer care with your dentist, maintain excellent oral hygiene, keep hydrated and avoid irritants like alcohol/tobacco. Click here to read more.

Diabetes and Oral Health

High blood sugar makes it harder for the body to fight infections, including in the mouth. There’s a two‑way relationship: gum disease can make diabetes harder to manage, and diabetes can worsen gum disease. Key tips: brush twice daily with fluoride, clean between teeth, inform your dentist of your diabetes, and quit smoking. Click to read more.

Transplant Recovery and Oral Health

After an organ transplant, immunosuppressant medications increase vulnerability to oral infections which can enter the bloodstream and threaten recovery. Preventive dental care, frequent cleanings, communication between medical and dental teams and tailored oral hygiene are vital to maintain both oral and overall health. Click to read more here.

Suppressed Immune System and Oral Health

Individuals with immune suppression (e.g., from disease or medication) are more likely to develop serious oral problems like mouth sores, gum disease, fungal infections, and dry mouth. Because the mouth can become an entry point for systemic infections, daily diligent oral hygiene, regular dental visits and lifestyle support (diet, hydration, non‑smoking) are particularly important. Read more about maintaining good oral health with a weak immune system here.

ASD and Oral Health

People on the autism spectrum often face additional oral‑health challenges due to sensory sensitivities, communication differences, medications causing dry mouth, and difficulty at the dentist. Effective care means breaking brushing routines into small steps, using visual supports, practising dentist‑familiarisation visits and coordinating across dental and therapy teams to reduce anxiety and improve outcomes. Read more here.

ESRD and Oral Health

Severe kidney disease affects oral health through increased risk of cavities, gum disease, mouth infections and bone loss; infections in the mouth may even interfere with kidney‑transplant scheduling. Regular professional cleanings, managing dry mouth, connecting dental and kidney care are all crucial preventive strategies. Click to read more.

Heart Disease and Oral Health

Poor gum health and oral‑inflammation may be connected to cardiovascular problems such as arterial build‑up and stroke, as bacteria/inflammation from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. While it doesn’t prove a direct cause, maintaining strong oral hygiene (twice‑daily brushing, cleaning between teeth, healthy lifestyle) supports a holistic approach to heart health. Read more info here.