Your mouth is the primary gateway into your body, as well as your bodys first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. Typically, a healthy mouth indicates a healthy body and vice versa oral health paints a picture of the overall state of the body and its functions. Although cause-and-effect here is unclear, we look to the mouth as a health barometer.
Scientists have proven correlations between gum (periodontal) disease, cavities, and oral cancer, and chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, and heart disease. In fact, some researchers say that over 90% of all full-body diseases show themselves orally via swollen gums, mouth ulcers, gum disease and bad breath.
The most likely correlations are due to the fact that many chronic illnesses inhibit the immune system, leaving those affected more susceptible to oral inflammation and subsequent infection. In addition, many risk factors that contribute to chronic illness, such as tobacco and poor diet (sugar in particular), also dramatically increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.