10 Health Problems Caused by Bad Oral Health
Daily hygiene and routine dental check-ups are simple yet highly effective ways to maintain a beautiful and healthier smile. Unfortunately, many people need to pay more attention to the need for good oral health. Besides maintaining proper oral functions, oral health has many more benefits than expected.
Since your mouth is like a gateway to the rest of your body, bacteria, germs, and infections from your teeth and gums can easily spread to other body parts, causing serious and life-threatening impacts on your overall health.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and health can help keep your mouth and entire body pain-free, fully functional, and healthy.
10 Health Issues Associated with Oral Health
Poor oral health can affect various parts of your mouth and body, leading to a myriad of health conditions, like:
- Gum or periodontal disease
Gum disease is a common indicator of poor oral health. Gum inflammation or infection mainly happens when plaque (a thin film of bacteria) forms on teeth and around the gum line. When caught early, you can reverse periodontal disease with non-surgical treatments.
Gradually, the infection spreads under the gum line, damaging the underlying tissues like the bone. If not treated, the condition can advance to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that leads to tooth loss and jawbone loss. Visit our dental office near Shalimar if you have untreated gum disease.
- Heart disease and stroke
Patients with advanced gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart problems. The periodontal bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to the heart and other vital body organs.
For instance, uncontrolled bacteria from the mouth can clog and harden the arteries (atherosclerosis), affecting blood flow and causing heart blockages. High levels of bacteria can also block the carotid artery, increasing the risk of a stroke.
- Respiratory illnesses
Periodontal bacteria can spread through the body into the lungs, infecting the respiratory system. It can lead to serious respiratory conditions like bronchitis, lung infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia.
- Diabetes
People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing oral problems like dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Untreated, periodontal disease can affect your blood sugars, making your diabetes harder to control and increasing your risk of complications.
- Dementia
Recent research has established a connection between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and periodontal disease. Periodontal bacteria can spread through the nerve channels or bloodstream to the brain, damaging brain cells and leading to memory loss and other issues.
- Pregnancy complications
Pregnancy increases your risk of developing numerous oral and overall health issues. Regarding your mouth, pregnancy makes you susceptible to oral problems like dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay.
If not addressed, these issues can lead to pregnancy complications. Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to low birth weight and premature birth. Excellent oral hygiene and health can help prevent unnecessary complications until and after your baby is born.
- Certain cancers
Periodontal bacteria has been linked to an increased risk of oral, throat, pancreatic, kidney, and blood cancers, among others. The risk is even higher if you smoke and abuse alcohol. Good oral hygiene and tobacco avoidance can help lower your risk of cancer.
- Kidney problems
Generally, any infection like periodontitis weakens your immune system, making you susceptible to more infections. Mouth infections can infect the kidney, causing kidney disease and other complications like kidney failure.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Periodontal bacteria can spread throughout the body, increasing your risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a serious inflammation disorder that affects your joints, including those in the jaw, feet, and hands. The disorder causes your body’s immune system to attack its tissues. In severe cases, it can attack your internal organs.
- Infertility
Surprisingly, untreated gum disease and tooth decay are linked to unhealthy semen and low sperm counts and speed. Gum disease can also make it difficult to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy to term.
Prevention is Key
Now that you know how poor oral health can affect your overall health, below are practical hygiene tips to help maintain a healthy smile and body:
- Brush and floss daily,
- Avoid tobacco products,
- Get routine fluoride treatments near you.
- Avoid abrasive oral products.
- Schedule routine dental cleanings and check-ups.
- Limit hard and sugary items.
- Seek on-time treatment for oral and overall health issues.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you need more information about the connection between your oral and overall health? Or are you looking for general dentistry, like fluoride treatments in Shalimar, FL? Contact Complete Health Dentistry of the Emerald Coast.