The health of the mouth, teeth, and gums is only a small part of what is involved in maintaining good oral health. Due to the fact that the mouth is the major gateway into the body, having poor dental health can have adverse effects on the entirety of the body. Poor oral health can be identified by a number of symptoms, including teeth and gums that hurt, gums that bleed, and foul breath. It is simple for bacteria from the mouth to enter the circulation, where they can then move throughout the body and cause infection and inflammation.
It is essential to maintain proper dental hygiene and to schedule routine visits to the dentist in order to reduce the likelihood of suffering from major threats to the body’s general health. The following is a list of common and major health issues that can be caused by poor dental health:
Cardiovascular Disease
A person’s chance for developing heart disease is increased if they have poor dental health. If the gums are inflamed because of the bacterium that causes periodontal disease, then the bacteria may actually go into the circulation and cause the arteries to harden and build up plaque. This happens when the gums are inflamed owing to the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for the hardening of the arteries, and it is an extremely dangerous condition. It can cause difficulties with blood flow and blockages in the heart, and it can also raise the likelihood of having a heart attack. The traumatic effect on the arteries and blood vessels might cause hypertension and raise the chance of having a stroke. The inside lining of the heart can also get infected, which can lead to a disease known as endocarditis, which is a condition that is frequently deadly.
The good news is that gum disease may be avoided by maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and getting regular dental cleanings. You will have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular disease as a result of this, in addition to maintaining the health and vitality of your smile.
Dementia
Lack of proper dental health might have negative effects on the brain. Memory loss can really be caused by substances that are secreted from swollen gums caused by an infection. These substances can destroy brain cells and contribute to memory loss. Gingivitis can lead to dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease if the bacteria in the mouth travel to the nerve channels or enter the bloodstream. This can happen when the germs migrate from the gums to the rest of the mouth.
Infections of the Respiratory Tract
When dental health is compromised, it can have negative effects on the respiratory system. Bacteria in the mouth from diseased teeth and swollen gums can be inhaled into the lungs or migrate there through circulation. Once there the germs can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD.
Diabetes
Not only are diabetics more likely to contract an infection, such as an infection of the gums that can develop to periodontal disease, but periodontal disease can also make it more difficult for diabetics to maintain adequate blood sugar levels. Because gum disease causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate erratically, the symptoms may become more severe. It is extremely crucial for diabetics to take proper care of their dental health to prevent issues with their diabetes. A person who has poor oral health has an increased chance of having diabetes due to the fact that gum disease can lead to blood sugar levels that are higher than what is considered normal.
Complications During Pregnancy
It is absolutely necessary for expecting moms to maintain a high level of oral cleanliness. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a number of hormonal shifts, which might make it more easier for her to have mouth infections. The mother’s chance of developing difficulties during pregnancy is increased by every infection that occurs throughout the pregnancy. It is recognized that oral health disorders in the mother, such as periodontitis and gingivitis, might contribute to premature birth and lower birth weight in the infants born to those mothers. Gum disease puts not only the mother but also the unborn child at risk for developing significant health problems.
Infertility
There is a correlation between dental health issues and reproductive issues in women, namely infertility. It may be more challenging for a woman to have a child and keep that child healthy if she has gum disease, which can lead to a variety of other problems with her general health. It is possible that a woman who has bad oral health would have a lengthier period of time before becoming pregnant compared to a woman who has good dental health.
Cancer
It is well knowledge that behaviors that are detrimental to oral health, such as smoking or using tobacco products, can increase the risk of developing oral and throat cancers; however, research has shown that gum disease may also increase the risk of developing other forms of cancer. People who have oral health problems are at a significantly increased risk for developing kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood malignancies.
Disorders of the Kidneys
The kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure can all be negatively impacted by the chronic condition known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Infections found within the body, such as periodontal disease, have the potential to cause kidney disease. People who suffer from gum disease typically have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to developing infections. A significant number of individuals who have very poor dental health also have issues with their kidneys. It is possible for renal disease to be lethal if it progresses to kidney failure or other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
People who suffer from periodontal disease have a fourfold increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as stated by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Inflammation is a shared characteristic of both disorders. Gingivitis is caused by bacteria in the mouth, and those bacteria can spread inflammation throughout the body. Because of this, the likelihood of getting rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory illness that may be excruciatingly painful and severely limit one’s mobility, is significantly increased.
Prevention
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and seeing your dentist on a regular basis is the most effective method to forestall the development of major health problems that may be traced back to poor oral health. In order to maintain proper oral hygiene:
- It is recommended to brush the teeth and gums for at least two minutes, twice a day.
- Always remember to floss your teeth.
- Try to quit smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products, including chewing tobacco.
- Make sure you’re using fluoride-based items like toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Reduce the amount of sugar you consume.
- Consume food that covers all the food groups for optimal nutrition.
- Consume vitamins that will help improve the state of your teeth.
Teeth in good health are clean, and they don’t hurt due to issues like cavities or illness. Gums that are healthy are pink in color and should not bleed when you brush or floss them. The state of one’s teeth and gums might provide insight into one’s general health. Taking the necessary precautions to protect against oral health issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease can go a long way toward lowering the chance of developing more significant health issues that can affect other parts of the body.
Dr. Motiwala in International Press
Dr. Motiwala is a world-renowned dentist who has cared for thousands of patients from every corner of the globe. He has been featured on several news outlets; to read about it, select the network’s logo below.
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