When we think about staying healthy, dental hygiene is often left off the list. It is the most basic one, but is also the most ignored one. Amar Singh, who is the founder and CEO of Clove Dental, a chain of dental clinics says that it is because the problems that pertains to oral health are not "life threatening", which is why people do not understand the need to keep their dental health in check. However, this World Health Day, we take a step back from this perceived notion and dig deeper into dental health and how your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. In an exclusive interview with Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, the Chief Clinical Officer at Clove Dental, who has 40 years of experience as a dentist and had served in the Indian Army too, we understood that oral health is not just about a pretty smile, but about protecting your entire system from worsening chronic illnesses.

The Mouth-Body Connection

“There is now scientific evidence, published in top medical journals, that shows how oral infections can significantly worsen pre-existing systemic diseases,” says Dr. Arora. This isn’t just a theory — it’s a medically established fact.

Take diabetes, for instance. People with gum infections often find it harder to control their blood sugar levels. “If you're suffering from diabetes and you have a gum infection, your diabetes will not be well controlled. In fact, it may worsen,” he adds. The same applies to heart diseases. Oral infections can increase inflammation in the body, potentially triggering or worsening cardiovascular problems.

This is concerning especially for those people who may already be managing conditions like hypertensions, arthritis, or respiratory illness. Poor oral health can actually sabotage their efforts to stay stable.

Dental Health's Connection With Mothers And Babies

Dr. Arora also highlights the overlooked risks that pregnant women face when they neglect their dental hygiene. “If you are pregnant and suffer from periodontitis or even gingivitis — essentially poor gum health — you are at risk of having a preterm or low-birth-weight baby,” he says.

This isn’t just theory; it’s a well-documented risk in obstetric dentistry. Pregnant women are encouraged to get dental check-ups not just for themselves, but for the health of their unborn child.

ALSO READ: Astronaut Rakesh Sharma Had To Get His Wisdom Tooth Extracted Before His Trip To Space

Every Disease Leaves A Trace In The Mouth

“Your tongue is a true mirror of your oral and general health,” says Dr. Arora. The correlation therefore goes beyond just gums and teeth. Dentists are trained to detect early signs of systemic disorders simply by examining the tongue's color, coating and texture.

A pale tongue might indicate iron deficiency, while a coated tongue could be a sign of digestive issues or a viral illness. “Sometimes, we ask patients if they've had their blood work done, based purely on what we see on their tongue,” he adds. In some cases, dentists can even detect undiagnosed diabetes or early signs of nutritional deficiencies.

But, Why Is Oral Health Still Ignored?

Despite these connections, oral health remains one of the most neglected aspects of personal healthcare. Dr. Arora believes this is partly due to a lack of awareness and the perception that dental problems are not "serious enough."

“People often wait until they’re in pain before they see a dentist, but by then, the damage might already be affecting other parts of the body,” he says. Preventive check-ups, regular cleaning, and treating gum infections early on can go a long way in improving not just oral health, but overall wellness.

You probably know that inadequately brushing can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum diseases and bad breath. But researchers in Australia have discovered that it can do much worse than this. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research, discovered a surprising link between poor oral hygiene and body aches, migraines and stomach pain, especially in women.

The researchers concluded that women with worse oral health are significantly more likely to suffer from pain, including frequent headaches and conditions like fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain — including headaches — as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive problems. They explained that it was because tiny microbes in the mouth that might be messing with the nervous system.

For this new study, researchers analyzed the data of 186 women—67% of whom had fibromyalgia—and found that those with the worst dental health were 60% more likely to suffer moderate to severe body pain and nearly 50% more likely to report migraine headaches. Thus, they concluded that the more severe their head hurt, the worse their mouth looked.

"This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia, with our study showing a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain," said lead author Dr Joanna Harnett, an associate professor at the University of Sydney School of Pharmacy. “Our findings are particularly important to fibromyalgia which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is often under-recognized," co-author Sharon Erdrich added.

Here's How You Can Take Care Of Your Dental Health

Taking care of dental health is important. These are a few things you can do to take care of your dental health.

- Brush Before Breakfast: UK dental surgeon Shaadi Manouchehri advises brushing before eating breakfast to remove the bacteria that builds up overnight. This practice shields your teeth from acidic food and drinks that can weaken enamel.

- Choose Healthy Snacks: Opt for raw vegetables, nuts, or fruits that are low in sugar and require chewing, which stimulates saliva production and naturally cleans the teeth.

- Use Xylitol Gum: Chewing gum with xylitol after meals can boost saliva flow and reduce the risk of cavities.

- Wait Before Brushing After Meals: If you prefer to brush after eating, wait at least 30 minutes to allow your enamel to re-mineralize and harden.

Moreover, here are a few things you should avoid:

Avoid Sugary Snacks: Fermentable carbohydrates, such as chips, crackers, and cereal, turn into sugars that fuel the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

- Skip Brushing After Acidic Meals: Acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel. Brushing immediately after consumption can wear away the softened enamel, leading to cavities.

- Don’t Skip Hydration: Drink water after meals to help neutralize acids and wash away remaining food particles in your teeth.

Maintaining optimal dental health takes more than just brushing and flossing twice a day. Adding such healthy eating habits, timing your brushing routine, and using xylitol gum after meals, you can protect your teeth from decay and promote stronger enamel.

Conversations around reproductive health are becoming more inclusive—but one significant voice often remains absent: men. Despite data showing that 10% to 15% of men face infertility challenges, male fertility remains shrouded in silence, stigma, and emotional discomfort.

While society has made progress in encouraging men to speak up about mental health and emotional well-being, fertility seems to be the last frontier. Many still perceive it as a “woman’s issue,” even though science tells us otherwise. According to fertility specialist Dr. Mohammed Ashraf C, Scientific Director and Head of Embryology, “There’s a common belief that fertility issues are only a woman’s problem, and that men can’t be affected. For some, the ability to father a child is seen as proof of their manhood.”

From an early age, men are conditioned to associate virility with masculinity. The idea of being able to conceive a child is often treated as a validation of manhood. In many cultures, the role of a man as a father—especially a biological father—is deeply ingrained. This cultural narrative fuels the reluctance to even consider the possibility of infertility.

“Men don’t see a doctor unless something is bleeding or broken,” says Dr. Ashraf, summarizing a mindset that perfectly captures the aversion to proactive reproductive check-ups. Many men simply don’t want to know if something is wrong. Fear of judgment, feelings of shame, and ego can often be stronger than the desire to seek solutions.

Unlike women—who often openly discuss their fertility journeys—men rarely share their struggles. Infertility can lead to a cascade of emotional consequences for men, including isolation, low self-esteem, depression, and relationship stress. “Struggling with infertility and not feeling able to talk about it can lead to men feeling isolated and emotionally disconnected,” Dr. Ashraf notes.

Fertility concerns can even strain intimate relationships. Poor communication between partners can increase stress and impair sexual function, further compounding the issue. Emotional support for both partners is critical, and shared understanding can make the journey less painful.

How is Male Fertility Tested?

One of the biggest deterrents to male fertility testing is misinformation. Many men assume the process is invasive, complicated, or humiliating. In truth, male fertility tests are as routine as checking your blood pressure or cholesterol.

The process typically begins with a sperm analysis and a full reproductive health assessment, including medical history, previous infections, and lifestyle choices. “New sperm are produced every 3 months, so lifestyle changes can dramatically improve sperm health and increase the chances of conception,” says Dr. Ashraf.

This makes testing not only important for conception, but also for long-term health. In fact, male fertility tests can reveal issues like low testosterone or other treatable hormonal imbalances. However, it’s critical to approach treatment cautiously—starting testosterone therapy, for instance, can reduce or halt sperm production. That’s why fertility assessments should always come before any hormone interventions.

Sperm health is more than just a fertility indicator—it’s a window into a man’s overall well-being. Factors like diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and age all impact sperm quality. These same factors are also linked to broader chronic health conditions, making sperm health an essential piece of the preventive care puzzle.

According to Dr. Ashraf, “It’s time to break the stigma, talk openly, let go of the shame, and stop thinking fertility is just a women’s issue. Taking that first step doesn’t make you less of a man—it shows you care about your health, your partner, and your future.”

The rise of at-home fertility testing kits is helping more men take that first step discreetly. These innovative tools are user-friendly, private, and can provide quick insights into sperm health—making it easier to move forward with further medical consultations if needed.

Couples facing conception challenges should remember that both partners share equal responsibility in creating a healthy embryo. Open dialogue, mutual support, and equal medical evaluations can help not only in conception but also in strengthening relationships during an emotionally taxing time.

Fertility challenges are not a reflection of masculinity. They are a medical issue—common, treatable, and often preventable. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away. Seeking help is not weakness. It’s empowerment.

Dr Mohammed Ashraf C is an Fertility specialist, Scientific Director, Head of Embryology at Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru in India

We stretch our legs after a long flight, we roll our necks after a day at the desk, we even calm our minds with meditation and journaling. But when did you last actually give your eyes a break? In a world where we increasingly exist in a digital-first space, where most of us are glued to screens from sunrise to sunset, our eyes are working behind the scenes to take the strain. And yet, we scarcely ever consider looking after them.

How often do you ever really pay attention to your eyes—until they burn, blur, or just plain tire? If you're like most of us in today's screen world, I'd bet my paycheck that your eyes work overtime day and night. From the moment we wake up and reach for our phones to the all-night binge-a-thons and Zoom-a-thons, our eyes barely get a chance to rest at all.

So, what if you could take only 15 minutes a week to rest and refresh your eyes—and actually feel the difference? Let's take a look at three easy, expert-recommended ways to spoil your peepers.

The truth is, your eyes are working double time—and they're footing the bill. Eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches are part of our daily narrative. Based on a survey conducted by All About Vision, remote workers now spend nearly 13 hours a day in front of a screen. Given such exposure, it's no wonder that nearly half of the study participants reported a deterioration in their vision over the past two years.

So, what do you do to fight against this visual exhaustion? As leading ophthalmologist Dr. Neeraj Sandhuja says, "Our eyes are under more stress than ever before. With screen time at night, Zoom marathon meetings, and endless scroll, the visual system is constantly bombarded. Giving your eyes one dedicated day to reboot can be a huge payoff."

Here's a look at three expert-approved techniques that can help refresh your eyes, improve focus, and aid strong vision in the long run. All it requires is one committed session a week.

1. The Rule of 20-20-20

If your work today consists of hours and hours of typing on a computer, this easy but powerful strategy can become your greatest friend. It's known as the 20-20-20 rule: Check your vision at 20 feet away every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds.

This short break allows your eye muscles to unwind, interrupting the constant stream of near-work tension. Dr. Sandhuja explains, "Staring at screens all the time keeps your eyes in one position, taxing the ciliary muscles that do the focusing. The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes some relief from time to time, avoiding chronic fatigue."

Think of it as a micro-break that recharges your visual batteries. Whatever you're gazing out the window, at a plant across the room, or just gazing off into space, you're giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recharge.

2. Practice Palming

This ancient yogic exercise is older than the hills and a simple way to relax and rejuvenate tired eyes. You don't even have to borrow your neighbor's hands – just your own two. Take a few minutes alone.

Start by rubbing your palms against each other strongly to heat them up. Once they are heated up, gently position them over your closed eyes—without pressure. Let the heat and darkness blanket your sight. Hold on like this for a minute or two, breathing deeply.

“Palming not only reduces eye strain but also relaxes your nervous system,” shares Dr. Sandhuja. “It’s a form of sensory withdrawal, helping your mind and eyes retreat from constant stimulation.”

The experience is meditative and grounding. And best of all, it requires no special equipment—just the intention to rest and rejuvenate.

3. Eye Circles and Blinking Exercises

Just as stretching loosens tight muscles, eye movement relaxes tension around the optic nerves and boosts circulation.

Practice this mini routine:

• Slowly rotate your eyes clockwise for one minute, then in reverse direction.
• Then rapid blinking—blink as fast as you can for 10 seconds.

These movements trigger natural lubrication and the tear glands, so they're especially beneficial if you have dry eyes. "Eye movement exercises promote flexibility and coordination between the eye muscles. They also promote tear flow, which is essential in combating dryness due to prolonged screen use," explains Dr. Sandhuja.

Use these as your weekly visual yoga— gentle but powerful.

Make It a Weekly Ritual

Consistency is the key. Select one evening of the week—Sunday evening or a mid-week wellness break—to take 10 to 15 minutes to do these eye-care rituals. Do it consciously. Have a candle lit, soothing music playing, and treat it as an non-negotiable aspect of your wellness routine.

Over time, this habit will pay off. You’ll notice reduced eye strain, improved focus, fewer headaches, and an overall sense of calm. Just like your body benefits from rest and recovery, your eyes thrive when given a chance to recharge.

Though these exercises won't fix refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism, they can significantly enhance visual comfort and concentration, particularly in the age of hyper-connectivity. From palming and blinking to gazing at the distance, every method enhances your eyes' inherent capacity to relax and rejuvenate.

As Dr. Sandhuja so aptly puts it, "Don't wait for discomfort to remind you to care for your eyes. Make it a habit, and your future self will thank you." So do it—go ahead and arrange that weekly eye-care appointment. Your eyesight is worth the care.

Dr Neeraj Sandhuja is a Ophthalmologist, Founder and Director of Viaan Eye and Retina Centre