6 Health Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health

Welcome to the Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill blog! We’ll be sharing valuable information about dentistry, including tips, guides, and must-know facts. Follow along to stay up-to-date on everything involving your teeth and gums!

In this blog post, we’ll explain the importance of maintaining good oral health. Since the mouth is the gateway into the body, keeping it healthy is crucial to prevent negative consequences for your body. If bacteria from the mouth get into the bloodstream, it can cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads. Read along to learn of six health issues caused by poor oral health.

Heart Disease

Did you know that poor oral health is a risk factor for heart disease? When the gums are inflamed because of disease-causing bacteria, those same pathogens can enter the bloodstream and cause arteries to build up plaque and harden. The hardening is called atherosclerosis, which is a very serious problem. It can lead to blood flow problems, heart blockages, and a higher likelihood of a heart attack. Luckily, gum disease is easily preventable with good oral hygiene and routine dental visits. By keeping your gums healthy, your heart will follow suit!

Dementia

It may surprise you to learn that an unhealthy mouth can also affect the brain. Substances released from diseased gums can kill brain cells, leading the memory loss. When bacteria in the mouth spreads to the nerve channels or enters the bloodstream, it can result in dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Respiratory Infections

Bacteria from infected teeth and swollen gums can enter the lungs or travel there through the bloodstream. As a result, it can cause the respiratory system to suffer, leading to infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease. However, gum disease can also make diabetes more difficult to control. It can cause blood sugar levels to increase, making symptoms worse than they are. To prevent health complications, diabetics must take excellent care of their teeth!

Infertility

As bad as it is to have gum disease, it can also lead to several dental problems that make it more difficult for women to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Studies show that poor oral health is associated with infertility. Findings revealed that women with poor oral health take longer to get pregnant than those with good dental health.

Cancer

It’s no secret that smoking and using tobacco products can lead to oral and throat cancers. However, studies show that other types of cancers are associated with gum disease as well. Those with unhealthy gums are at a higher risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancers.

As you can see, the divide between oral and overall health is not as black and white as it may seem. By maintaining good oral health, you can enjoy a healthy smile and body for a lifetime!

About the Practice

At Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill, we provide fully personalized, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care that’s bound to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team will do everything possible to help you obtain your absolute best smile. We care about more than just your teeth – we care about your overall health too. To schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call (860) 563-3766.