10 Health Issues Caused by Bad Oral Health

Our oral health can affect our entire health either positively or negatively. This is because our oral health is directly connected to our entire body, as the mouth is a pathway to our body. This means that whatever gets into our mouths can affect our bodiespositively or negatively. Our oral health includes our teeth, gums and even our breath, and as such, we can tell when our oral health is in bad shape by the state of our teeth, gums and the way our breath smells.

Taking care of our oral health is essential because we can develop serious health issues resulting from bad oral health.

See us at Dental Hygienist London if you need to see a hygienist near you in London. Meanwhile, below are 10 serious health problems that are caused by bad oral health.

10 Health Problems Caused by Bad Oral Health

Cardiovascular disease

Bad oral health places one at risk of heart problems. How does this happen? When the gums are inflamed as a result of bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, the bacteria can end up getting into the bloodstream, causing the arteries to harden. The hardening of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis, and this deadly situation can restrict the flow of blood, causing blockage of the heart. As a result of this, the individual’s chances of having a heart attack are increased. Furthermore, the impact of this on the arteries and blood vessels can lead to hypertension and stroke.

By cleaning the teeth regularly, you reduce or completely reduce the risk of having heart problems.

Dementia

When the gums are infected or inflamed, substances are released, and these substances can actually kill the brain cells and lead to loss of memory. Gingivitis can lead to dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease, and this happens when the bacteria in the mouth get into the bloodstream or spread to the nerve channels.

Diabetes

Medical experts can tell you that people who are diabetic are more susceptible to infections that contribute to periodontal disease. However, what you may not know is that periodontal disease on its own makes diabetes more difficult to control. Due to gum disease, the blood sugar levels become higher as a result of the symptoms, and this makes the situation more dangerous. It is important to protect your oral health because a person with bad dental health is at an increased risk of being diabetic. Similarly, diabetic people need to protect their oral health in order to avoid complicating their health status.

Respiratory infections

Poor oral health can affect the respiratory system of an individual. This can happen when the bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth or gum get into the lungs either by breathing them in or transportation through the bloodstream. When the bacteria gets into the lungs, it can lead to diseases like pneumonia, acute bronchitis or even respiratory infections.

Complications with pregnancy

Pregnant mothers should take their health very seriously for various reasons. For one thing, the hormonal changes resulting from the pregnancy can cause problems in the mouth and even make them more susceptible to oral health infections. If there is an infection in the pregnant woman’s body, it will increase the risk of complications in the pregnancy.

Oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontitis in the mother can lead to the premature birth of an infant and low birth weight of the baby. Furthermore, when the mother has any gum disease during pregnancy, it puts both her and the baby at risk of serious health issues.

Infertility

Studies have shown that there is a link between poor oral health and infertility problems in women. For example, gum diseases contribute to several health problems that make it difficult for a woman to conceive or carry a pregnancy full term. This means that it takes longer for a woman with poor oral health to conceive more than it would take for a woman with good oral health.

Erectile dysfunction

Poor oral hygiene puts a man at an increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Chronic periodontal disease proves to link directly with erectile dysfunction. Chronic periodontal disease involves detaching of the gums from the teeth, creating pockets that carry bacteria to the bone around the teeth. The bacteria get into the blood vessels, causing them to become inflamed. Consequently, the flow of blood to the genitals blocks, making an erection difficult to achieve or maintain.

Cancer

We all know that bad dental health practices like smoking and using tobacco products contribute to types of cancer like mouth and throat cancer. But what we may not know is that gum disease can cause by other types of cancer as well. The chances of cancers like kidney cancer, blood cancer and even pancreatic cancer are higher for those with bad oral health.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease is a dangerous health issue, and chronic kidney disease affects not just the kidney but the bones, heart and blood pressure. When people have gum diseases, their immune systems are weaker, and thus, they are more likely to acquire infections. Since the periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease, affected people are at great risk of having kidney failure.

Rheumatoid arthritis

People with gum disease are four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. This is so; because both of the diseases develop from inflammation. The bacteria responsible for gingivitis increases inflammation in the body, making it easier for the individual to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention of health issues caused by poor oral health

The most effective way to protect your oral health and subsequently protect your overall health is by practising good oral hygiene and by visiting your dentist regularly.

To practice good oral hygiene, you must brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, consume healthy foods, stay away from sugary foods, and regularly see your dentist.

Our oral health is as important as our general body health, and we should take good care of it. Contact us at Dental Hygienist London if you need to see a hygienist near you. You can reach us through emails or direct calls.

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