Your mouth is considered a gateway to your overall health. While oral and general health are viewed separately, the two are interconnected. Several oral health issues affecting your overall health can impact your oral health. Although you may have heard dental problems increase your risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory complications, and Alzheimer’s, the information should not be your only concern. Recent research has discovered a connection between poor oral hygiene and metabolism. While a combination of conditions increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, including diabetes type II, here is how the health of your smile affects your metabolism.