When we’re talking about oral health, we are not only referring to the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. The mouth serves as the main entryway to the body, so having poor oral health may mean negative consequences for your entire body. Bleeding gums, bad breath, and toothache are all signs of poor oral health.
Did you know that the bacteria from your mouth can easily get into your bloodstream, causing inflammation and infection? Hence, it is essential that you visit your Dallas dentist on a regular basis and practice good oral hygiene to avoid other health issues from surfacing.
Below are some of the health issues caused by poor oral health.
1. Complications in pregnancy
The hormonal changes in pregnancy, as well as pre-existing gum disease can increase a mother’s risk of getting an oral infection significantly. This may lead to health concerns which can affect her and the baby. Some cases of low birth weight and premature birth have been linked to oral infections in expectant mothers.
2. Cardiovascular disease
Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis can happen when the gums are inflamed due to periodontal disease. Bacteria from the mouth enters the blood stream, affecting the inner walls of the arteries, causing it to thicken. This blocks or decreases blood flow, and increases the risk for stroke or heart attack.
3. Diabetes
Periodontal disease boosts blood sugar levels in the body. Gum and teeth issues will not only exacerbate diabetes, it will make it harder to treat. Diabetic patients should therefore take good care of their oral health to avoid complications.
4. Respiratory infections
Those who suffer from acute gum infection are more likely to develop respiratory ailments like bronchitis and pneumonia. Bacteria in the gums may travel through the bloodstream or inhaled directly into the lungs.
5. Cancer
Those with poor oral hygiene are more likely to develop kidney, pancreatic, or blood cancer than those who observe good oral hygiene.
The good news is, you can avoid experiencing the negative health effects of poor oral hygiene by keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Visit an experienced, qualified dentist in Dallas for routine cleanings and dental examinations. We are happy to work with your schedule to help keep your mouth healthy.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1592159/
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/cancer-treatments
