It’s too easy to ignore teeth. We forget to floss, or never floss at all — a mistake one relative learned the hard way when he needed a full set of dentures much too young.

Pain isn’t much of an excuse to avoid dentists anymore. Dental industry technologies are much more patient-friendly than they were when I grew up.

For some it’s about money. About half of Americans don’t have dental insurance, according to a May 2019 report by the Center for Health Statistics. Among seniors only about 12 percent do, according to 2016 research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

June is Oral Health Month and a good time to recommend at least two local solutions: Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church is generously hosting a free dental clinic Friday and Sunday. The rest of the year, Heritage Dental offers free and reduced cost dental care, based on a sliding income scale. My mother was a patient there, and she always got great care.

We can’t afford to put teeth last on the priority list. Oral health is a lot more important than most realize, because it’s connected to the rest of the body, directly linked or providing clues to medical conditions. Bodies are teeming with bacteria; the mouth is no exception and can be vital because it’s the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Without daily brushing and flossing to keep that bacteria under control, bacteria increases, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and risking more serious conditions. According to Mayo Clinic, oral and overall health connections include:

• Heart problems. Endocarditis, an infection in the lining of heart chambers or valves (endocardium), can occur when mouth germs reach the heart via the bloodstream. Research suggests cardiovascular disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral inflammation and infections.

• Pregnancy. Periodontitis in the mother has been linked to premature birth and low fetal birth weight.

• Pneumonia. Mouth bacteria can be pulled into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

• Diabetes. Medical experts advise people with diabetes to be extra vigilant about oral health. By reducing resistance to infection, diabetes increases risk of gum disease, which in turn makes it harder to control blood sugar levels.

• Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss, and some osteoporosis drugs may increase risk of jawbone damage.

• Alzheimer's disease. Oral health worsens as Alzheimer's progresses. On a personal note, I would add other forms of dementia, as I witnessed Mom’s neglect of, and resistance to, oral health worsen as her dementia progressed.

• Certain cancers. Local dentist Michael Bloom says it’s important to see a dentist before treatment begins, and after it ends to minimize side effects on teeth and gums.

Autoimmune diseases, eating disorders and some medications can also cause changes in oral health.

What to do about it? Simple. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing. Eat a healthy diet and limit food with added sugars. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn. Get regular dental checkups and cleanings, ideally twice a year.

“Blessed are those who can hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called dentists.” — Ann Landers

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who enjoys semiannual mute conversations with her favorite hygienist (thanks, Gina!). Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.