The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health: Why It Matters

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but did you know that your mouth is a window into the health of your entire body? Yes, we’re talking about oral health—a topic that might not be the most glamorous, but trust us, it’s incredibly important. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, we’re here to shed light on the surprising ways your oral health is connected to your overall health and why keeping that mouth of yours in check is more than just about having a pearly white smile. And, spoiler alert, when it comes to taking care of your oral health, there’s no better choice than Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD.

Oral Health: More Than Just Your Teeth
When we think of oral health, most of us go straight to our teeth and gums—brushing, flossing, and maybe a rinse of mouthwash if we’re feeling fancy. But here’s the thing: your oral health plays a much bigger role than just keeping cavities at bay. The mouth is the gateway to your body, and what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth (unlike that piece of gum you’ve been chewing for hours). In fact, oral health can be a predictor—and sometimes a contributor—to conditions affecting your heart, brain, lungs, and more.

The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health
Let’s start with the heart. You’ve probably heard that keeping your heart healthy involves exercise and a good diet, but did you know that oral health can play a role, too? Studies have shown that gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. How? Well, the bacteria that cause inflammation in your gums can enter your bloodstream and contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, leading to a greater risk of heart attack or stroke. So, taking care of your gums isn’t just about avoiding a trip to the dentist—it’s about keeping your ticker in good shape, too.

Why See Dr. Jeremy Egan for Oral Health Concerns?
If you’re dealing with gum disease, tooth loss, or other oral health issues, seeing a provider who understands the connection between oral health and overall health is crucial. And this is where Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD shines. Not only is he an expert in diagnosing and treating complex oral conditions, but with his dual degrees in dentistry and medicine, he brings a deep understanding of how oral health impacts the entire body. Dr. Egan’s commitment to comprehensive patient care ensures that your treatment plan will address more than just your mouth—it’ll consider your whole health picture.

Oral Health and Diabetes: A Two-Way Street
Here’s a fun fact (okay, not exactly fun, but still important): there’s a two-way relationship between oral health and diabetes. People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease because high blood sugar levels can create an environment where bacteria thrive. On the flip side, untreated gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar, creating a vicious cycle. If you have diabetes, maintaining excellent oral health isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for managing your condition.

Why Dr. Egan is the Right Choice for Patients with Diabetes
If you’re living with diabetes and experiencing oral health issues like gum disease or tooth loss, choosing the right oral surgeon can make all the difference. Dr. Jeremy Egan brings a level of expertise and care that goes beyond just fixing teeth. With his extensive medical training and understanding of how systemic conditions like diabetes affect oral health, he’s uniquely qualified to manage the delicate balance between your oral and overall health.

Oral Health and Respiratory Health: Breathe Easy
Here’s one you might not expect: oral health and respiratory health are also linked. Bacteria from gum disease or untreated infections in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This is especially concerning for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma. It turns out that brushing and flossing regularly could help keep you breathing easy—literally.

Dr. Egan’s Approach to Oral Health for Respiratory Patients
For patients with respiratory conditions, oral health care requires special attention. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Egan ensures that all aspects of your health are taken into consideration before any procedure. His understanding of the oral-respiratory connection allows him to create treatment plans that not only address oral issues but also help protect your lung health. Whether it’s treating an oral infection or performing surgery, he takes a comprehensive, whole-body approach to your care.

Oral Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection
While no one likes to think about it, oral cancer is a very real concern. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Like with most cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment. During routine screenings, oral surgeons like Dr. Jeremy Egan are trained to spot potential signs of cancer—such as unusual lumps, sores, or discolored patches—before they become serious problems.

The Value of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings with Dr. Egan
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we’re all about prevention. Dr. Egan conducts thorough oral cancer screenings during routine checkups, especially for high-risk patients (smokers, heavy alcohol users, or those with HPV). His dual medical and dental training ensures that nothing slips through the cracks when it comes to detecting and addressing oral health concerns. If any issues are found, you can rest assured that you’re receiving treatment from one of the most experienced and highly trained oral surgeons in Oklahoma.

Mental Health and Oral Health: A Surprising Connection
It might surprise you to learn that there’s also a connection between mental health and oral health. People struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions often experience challenges with oral hygiene, whether it’s due to medication side effects (like dry mouth) or simply a lack of energy to keep up with regular dental care. On top of that, oral health problems—like tooth loss or gum disease—can negatively impact self-esteem and overall quality of life, leading to a cycle where poor oral health worsens mental health, and vice versa.

Dr. Egan’s Compassionate Care for Mental Health Patients
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand the challenges that patients with mental health conditions face when it comes to their oral care. Dr. Egan takes a compassionate, judgment-free approach to treating patients with complex health needs. If you’re struggling with oral health issues related to mental health, our team is here to support you with personalized, respectful care.

Why Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the Best Choice for Comprehensive Care
At this point, you might be wondering, “Why should I choose Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma over other providers?” We’ll tell you why: Because when it comes to your oral health, you deserve someone who doesn’t just look at your teeth. You deserve a provider who understands the bigger picture of how your oral health impacts—and is impacted by—your overall health. That’s where Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD comes in.

With his dual medical and dental training, extensive experience in oral surgery, and commitment to whole-body wellness, Dr. Egan is uniquely qualified to provide the highest level of care for your oral health. Plus, his practice goes beyond just technical expertise—we pride ourselves on delivering unreasonable hospitality and making every patient feel like part of our family.

Allow our Elite team to help you with your health concerns!
If you’re ready to take the next step in improving both your oral health and your overall health, Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma is here for you. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Jeremy Egan today by calling (918) 123-4567 or visiting www.eliteoralsurgeryofok.com. Your health matters to us—let us help you protect it.

Remember!
Your oral health isn’t just about your teeth—it’s about your entire body. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, taking steps to prevent heart disease, or simply looking for top-notch oral care, Dr. Jeremy Egan and the team at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma are ready to guide you toward better health. We take a comprehensive approach to care because we believe that your health is worth it—every last bit of it. So why wait? Come experience the difference for yourself.

Internal Links:

• Read about Elite’s head surgeon, Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD.
• Check out our Locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

External Links:

• Mayo Clinic: “Oral health: A window to your overall health”
• Cleveland Clinic: “How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health”