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7. Oral Health Affects STI Transmission
Whether or not you brush your teeth regularly actually affects your chances of getting or spreading STIs. Any sort of inflammation, scratch, or sore in the mouth provides an area of access for bacteria or viruses to enter the bloodstream. When you have tooth decay or gum disease, your risk of getting an oral STI is higher. This is mainly an issue with STIs that spread through infected blood, so it applies to HIV. You can improve oral health by routinely brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting the dentist.
