Why is oral health important?
Oral (mouth) health is a big part of your overall health. Good oral health means you can speak, smile, smell, taste, chew, swallow, and show emotions without pain. That is why checking the mouth is an important part of a health exam for older adults.
Poor oral health can be linked to other health problems. These include poor nutrition, breathing problems, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, frailty, disability, and depression. These conditions, along with poor oral hygiene, can cause missing teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, low saliva, and dry mouth. None of these problems are a normal part of aging.
Good dental care is key to healthy aging. For those who have lost some or all of their teeth, dentures can help with the shape of the face, speech, chewing, and social life.
Relationship between Oral Health and General Health
Research shows that many diseases are linked to gum infections. These include lung, heart, and blood vessel disease, diabetes, and dementia. Poor oral health is also linked to frailty.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia can happen when bacteria from the mouth get into the lungs. Older adults in hospitals or care facilities may not be able to clean their own mouths and may not get proper mouth care from caregivers.
Diabetes Mellitus
Gum infections are worse in older adults whose diabetes is not well controlled. The infection can also make diabetes harder to manage.
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease can result from mouth infections that lead to plaque or blood clots in the blood vessels.
Dementia
Some types of gum infections have been linked to dementia.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers