A healthy mouth can lead to a healthier you. Good oral hygiene may lower the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes and memory loss. Too many germs in the mouth can spread through the blood and cause harm. Here’s how your mouth affects other part of your body and ways to keep it healthy. 

1. Your mouth and brain

Did you know your mind may benefit from healthy gums? That’s because germs in your mouth can cause inflammation, which can travel through your bloodstream. And that may affect parts of your brain that control memory and thinking. Over time, this may raise the risk for memory loss or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Your mouth and heart

Healthy gums can help keep your heart strong. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in your arteries. This may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.*

Brush up on your dental coverage

Your plan covers oral exams, cleanings and X-rays. To learn more about your dental benefits, log in to your secure member website at AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/LG. Not registered yet? Visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/RG to start.  

If you need a new provider, visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider to find an in-network dentist near you.

3. Your mouth and lungs

Germs from your mouth can move into your airway and raise the risk of lung infections like pneumonia. Gum disease can also make chronic lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), harder to manage.

4. Your mouth and jaw

Your gums do more than keep your mouth healthy — they help protect the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease can weaken this bone, which may lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.*

5. Your mouth and diabetes

Good oral care helps keep blood sugar levels in check. When blood sugar is high, it can worsen gum disease, which can make diabetes harder to manage. This cycle can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Need help filing a claim?

Log in to your secure member website to file a claim, check on a claim status, file an appeal and more.

Log in now

6 ways to have a healthier smile

It may be surprising how much your mouth affects the rest of your body, but small daily habits can help keep you healthy. Here are a few to try:

• Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Tip: Singing the ABCs four times in your head is about two minutes. 

• Don’t forget to floss. Aim to floss once a day. If you forget, put a sticky note on your mirror or set a reminder on your phone. 

• Brush your tongue. Your tongue can hold bacteria too, so be sure to brush it each time you brush your teeth. 

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Swap your toothbrush out every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. 

• Limit sugary foods and drinks. Soda, candy and other sweets can harm your teeth. Try to enjoy them in moderation. 

• Schedule regular dental cleanings. Keep up with checkups and cleanings. Ask to schedule your next appointment while you’re still in the office so you don’t forget. And remember to give your dentist a call if you notice any unusual symptoms. 

Nervous about the dentist?

Dental anxiety is common. But don’t let it cause you to skip appointments. Talk to your provider about your concerns. And try calming techniques like deep breathing or listening to music. They can make visits easier and help you stay on track with your health.

*FOR HEART HEALTH: American Heart Association. Oral health. Accessed February 23, 2026.

*FOR BONE HEALTH: Cleveland Clinic. Periodontitis. Last reviewed on December 19, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2026.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health | Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website.

©2026 Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company
6300553-37-01
Y0130_NR_7142453_2026_C