Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, immune disorders, kidney disease, arthritis and some cancers can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems. At the same time, poor oral health may contribute to inflammation and other health concerns throughout the body.
Understanding this connection can help you take a more complete approach to your health. Managing chronic conditions, practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with preventive dental care can help protect both your smile and overall well-being.
Conditions That Can Affect Oral Health
People with diabetes are at greater risk for:
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease
- Oral infections such as thrush
- Slower healing after dental procedures
Keeping blood sugar under control and maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce these risks.
Research shows a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease may affect heart health. People with heart disease may experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, dry mouth or jaw pain.
A weakened immune system can make it harder to fight off oral infections and gum disease. Some conditions and medications may also cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of dental problems.
Poor oral health can allow harmful bacteria to enter the lungs and may worsen respiratory conditions. Regular brushing, flossing and preventive dental care can help reduce these risks.
Additional conditions associated with oral health include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer, including oral cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney disease
- COVID-19
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease
Maintaining good oral hygiene and working with your health care providers can help support both oral and overall health.
With TRS-Care Dental through MetLife, you have access to:
- More than 11,700 dentists in Texas and 475,000 nationwide
- No out-of-pocket costs for in-network exams, cleanings and routine X-rays
- Savings of 35% to 50% on dental services
- Easy access to claims, coverage and benefits through MyBenefits or the MetLife mobile app
- A Dental Cost Estimator tool to help plan and budget for care
Preventive services do not count toward your annual maximum benefit, helping you get the care you need while preserving your coverage.
Not Enrolled Yet?
Don't sweat it! There is an annual enrollment period every year. The enrollment window for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027 will take place from Oct. 1 - Dec. 7, 2026.
If you plan to enroll in TRS-Care Dental and/or TRS-Care Vision for the first time, you can enroll through MyTRS! If you don't have an account yet, we highly recommend creating one to make signing up that much faster and easier. Learn how to enroll at Register for MyTRS Member Portal.