Table of contents
While the extent of the oral health/general health relationship is still in question, there seems little doubt there is a clear link between oral health and overall health and wellbeing, with each affecting the other.i
In this article we explore why it's important to maintain your oral health, how poor oral health is linked to wider chronic health conditions, how being without teeth can affect your general health and wellbeing, and lastly, we examine the important role of dentures in this scenario.
Hygiene and good nutrition – factors for maintaining oral health
Maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring you are well nourished are two of the most important factors in maintaining good oral health. This is no less the case when you wear dentures.
Chewing over the links between oral health and general health
Your mouth and the environment within, known as the oral microbiome, consists of a community of good and bad bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protozoa that all coexist in your mouth.ii When the bad overwhelm the good the resulting imbalance or dysbiosis can have disastrous effects for your health.
A disruption in the oral microbiome balance can be caused by various elements and behaviours like diet, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Other factors include oral hygiene, pregnancy and genetics, with the potential for triggering problems such as periodontal disease, dental caries, oral candidiasis and oral cancer.
More recent research draws links between poor oral health and wider health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, dementia, respiratory disease and cancers.iii
The importance of oral hygiene and good nutrition
Good oral health demands a holistic approach involving effective oral hygiene and attention to good nutrition and lifestyle habits. So don't despair, it's never too late to change up for the better even if you already have oral dysbiosis. A proactive preventative approach is recommended.
Hygiene
Adopt a regular and thorough hygiene regimen by developing the habit of cleaning your natural teeth and denture twice daily. Visit our denture care guides on our website for detailed cleaning instructions. In addition, schedule regular visits to your dentist and prosthetist to deal with small manageable problems before they become large unmanageable ones.
Diet
Embrace a balanced diet, limiting foods with excessive sugar, salt and fats by replacing them with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Probiotic and prebiotic supplements may be required to assist the restoration of your oral microbiome balance thus enhancing your immune function and controlling the growth of pathogens.iv
Lifestyle behaviours
Undertake an honest review of your lifestyle habits. Consuming excessive alcohol, smoking, and avoiding exercise all have negative consequences for your overall health, which because the two are linked, will also affect your oral health.
The role of dentures
Having established a link between oral health and overall health let's explore the role dentures have in this equation. It is a known fact that edentulous folk, or those without natural teeth, are worse off than those who have teeth.
Not only are there consequences for the edentulous pertaining to life satisfaction, such as an inability to eat and chew a wide variety of foods, or be able to enjoy socialising around meals without feeling self-conscious. There are also consequences like diet restriction and the subsequent poor nutrition.v
People without teeth may also appear old beyond their years as bone reabsorption occurs and facial muscles sag robbed of the supporting structure of teeth. The mirror reflects an image which can affect their mental health and self-esteem.
Without teeth, either natural or false, you may be at greater risk of a variety of systemic diseases and potentially face health challenges that can impact longevity.vi
The dietary restrictions imposed by lack of teeth can have cascading effects on overall health. This leads to poor nutrition and subsequent diseases like obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular disease.vii Very often the reason for having no teeth, poor nutrition or ill health of some form, is further exacerbated as a consequence.
The encouraging news is modern science and technology provide solutions for this problem in the form of dentures whether removeable or implanted.
Maintaining your dentures for optimal health
Well-fitting dentures are crucial for maintaining both oral and overall health. Regular denture maintenance includes daily cleaning, proper storage, and routine professional adjustments. This ensures your dentures continue to support proper nutrition and maintain the oral environment necessary for good health.
A final word
Recent research confirms a clear link between oral health and overall general health. The role of edentulism has been established as negatively impacting not only your oral health but your general health and wellbeing. Therefore, replacing diseased or missing teeth with well-fitting and well-maintained dentures has benefits for both your oral health and your overall health.
Taking control of your diet, ensuring optimal nutrition, and adopting good hygiene practices provides the foundation for better health outcomes. The interlinked nature of oral health and general health means improvement in one area benefits your whole system. Dentures are pivotal to achieving this comprehensive approach to health.
References
[i] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1532338224001283
[ii] Azzolino D, Felicetti A, Santacroce L, Lucchi T, Garcia-Godoy F, Passarelli PC. The emerging role of oral microbiota: A key driver of oral and systemic health. Am J Dent. 2025 Jun;38(3):111-116. PMID: 40455948.
[iii] Azzolino D, Felicetti A, Santacroce L, Lucchi T, Garcia-Godoy F, Passarelli PC. The emerging role of oral microbiota: A key driver of oral and systemic health. Am J Dent. 2025 Jun;38(3):111-116. PMID: 40455948.
[iv] Azzolino D, Felicetti A, Santacroce L, Lucchi T, Garcia-Godoy F, Passarelli PC. The emerging role of oral microbiota: A key driver of oral and systemic health. Am J Dent. 2025 Jun;38(3):111-116. PMID: 40455948.
[v] Emami E, de Souza RF, Kabawat M, Feine JS. The impact of edentulism on oral and general health. Int J Dent. 2013;2013:498305. doi: 10.1155/2013/498305. Epub 2013 May 8. PMID: 23737789; PMCID: PMC3664508.
[vi] Emami E, de Souza RF, Kabawat M, Feine JS. The impact of edentulism on oral and general health. Int J Dent. 2013;2013:498305. doi: 10.1155/2013/498305. Epub 2013 May 8. PMID: 23737789; PMCID: PMC3664508.
[vii] Emami E, de Souza RF, Kabawat M, Feine JS. The impact of edentulism on oral and general health. Int J Dent. 2013;2013:498305. doi: 10.1155/2013/498305. Epub 2013 May 8. PMID: 23737789; PMCID: PMC3664508.
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
