Health Update: Why oral health is key to whole-body wellness – What Experts Say

We talk a lot about our health, from what we eat to how we move, but there’s one component that’s often overlooked: our smile. Oral health plays a major role in how the rest of our body functions, and new technology is helping patients and doctors spot issues earlier than ever.

Bay Area orthodontist, Dr. David Boschken, joined ABC7 Eyewitness News to explain the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness and how new tools like the Invisalign Oral Health Scan are simplifying oral care.

Why is oral health such an important part of overall wellness, beyond just having straight teeth or a nice smile?

Your teeth are part of a much bigger system. When they’re properly aligned, it’s easier to keep them clean, protect the gums, and reduce stress on the jaw. Over time, misaligned teeth can cause oral health issues like gum disease, chipped teeth, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

Poor oral health doesn’t always stay contained in the mouth. It’s also been linked to broader health concerns like headaches, digestion, and heart health. This is why we encourage patients to be proactive and prioritize their oral health. Straightening teeth with Invisalign aligners makes it easy to maintain clean teeth and healthy gums during treatment, and helps prevent bigger issues.

You mentioned the importance of tooth alignment. How common is misalignment and why do people miss it?

Tooth misalignment is incredibly common. More than 70% of adults have some form of misalignment, and many don’t realize it because the signs can be subtle – things like food getting stuck, tooth sensitivity, receding gums, or jaw discomfort. However, it’s important to address tooth misalignment early because it can put extra stress on our teeth and jawbone and make it hard to remove food, plaque, and bacteria when brushing and flossing.

It sounds like this is where new technology can come in. How does the Invisalign Oral Health Scan help uncover tooth misalignment and other issues?

The Invisalign Oral Health Scan gives us a detailed, 3D view of what’s really happening in the mouth. Using a small handheld scanner, we capture thousands of digital images in seconds, which are instantly turned into a model of the teeth and gums.

Patients can see things they’ve never been able to see before including gum health, early wear patterns, and areas where teeth aren’t functioning well together. If tooth misalignment is present, the scan can even show a preview of what their smile could look like after Invisalign treatment. That visual insight is incredibly helpful.

How does Invisalign fit into people’s wellness routines?

Invisalign treatment is designed to be discreet and flexible, easily fitting into people’s everyday lives. It straightens teeth to support better oral hygiene, healthier gums, and less long-term wear, helping patients avoid more invasive procedures later.

As we age, our teeth naturally shift. Invisalign can address anything from mild movement to more complex cases.

It’s clear that oral care is about much more than appearances and new tools like the Invisalign Oral Health Scan are making it easier to understand, manage and protect our oral health.

To learn more about your oral health or Invisalign treatment options, talk to your doctor or visit https://www.invisalign.com/.