Oral Health: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Your mouth can reveal more about your health than you might expect, reflecting and even influencing your overall well-being. Dr. Eve Glazier talks with Rana Al-Rasheed, BDS, an integrative dentist at UCLA Health and an assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, about how oral health is linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses, and why it can serve as an early warning system for broader health issues. They break down what symptoms like dry mouth, bleeding gums and sensitivity could be telling you, and share evidence-based habits that can help protect both your smile and your long-term health.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke, Suzanne Koudsi Walker
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Social Media and Communications: Bonnie Kim
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.