Most people grow up learning to brush and floss their teeth to maintain a clean smile. While this is true, practicing good oral hygiene is also crucial for your overall well-being. Since your mouth is the primary entryway into your body, a lack of proper dental care can lead to serious conditions. Keep reading to learn five bodily problems that can arise from poor oral health.
#1: Heart Disease
Without a good dental hygiene, you could put yourself at an increased risk of heart disease. This can occur if bacteria in your gums cause inflammation, leading to periodontal disease. If these microbes escape into your bloodstream, they can end up traveling throughout your body, especially the heart. This can impact your arteries and veins, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
#2: Diabetes
Those who are susceptible to gum infections like periodontal disease can also be vulnerable to diabetes. This is due to blood sugar levels going rampant from the bacteria in the gums. For this reason, it’s vital to maintain a proper dental hygiene to reduce any diabetic symptoms.
#3: Respiratory Infections
Another reason to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue clean is to prevent respiratory infections. If you allow bacteria to grow and collect in your mouth, you can accidentally breathe them into your lungs. This can cause infections like pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
#4: Cancer
Even if you do brush and floss often, practicing unhealthy oral habits—such as smoking or chewing tobacco products—can raise your risks of various cancers. These types can include oral, kidney, pancreatic, and even blood cancers.
#5: Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s been found that those with periodontal disease are much more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is because gum disease also involves inflammation-causing bacteria. If these microbes were to spread through the body, they can lead to more debilitating conditions in the future.
The most important way to reduce your chances of these health issues is to maintain proper dental care. Brushing and flossing every day, along with visiting your dentist at least twice a year, should do the trick!
About the Author
Dr. Erin M. Prach has been delivering excellent, passionate, and comprehensive dental care for about seven years. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and regularly pursues continuing education to improve and expand her expertise. She also provides multiple advanced treatments, including checkups and cleanings to prevent other serious health issues. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit our website or call 307-337-4770.