Oral health impacts your overall health

During Oral Health Month, Primary Care Alberta reminds Albertans that maintaining good oral health has a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Your mouth can tell you a lot about the health of your whole body. Poor oral health, in particular gum disease, is linked to many chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer are all considered chronic oral diseases. The risk for oral diseases increases with poor oral hygiene, a diet high in added sugar and alcohol, and commercial tobacco use.

You can help prevent oral diseases by:

• Making healthy food choices including limiting food and drinks that contain added sugars 

• Drinking plenty of water 

• Quitting or cutting down on using tobacco or nicotine products  

• Limiting alcohol consumption 

• Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride 

• Seeing your dental care team regularly

Oral health is more than just a nice smile. It affects how you speak, chew, swallow and express feelings or emotions. A healthy mouth can give you confidence in your work and social life. For more information visit primarycarealberta.ca/oralhealth.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams.

Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.