Good oral health is about so much more than just your teeth and gums. Your mouth is the entryway to your body and without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can grow and spread and cause issues throughout your entire body. Here are some surprising health problems caused by poor oral health.

Gum Disease

Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that affects the gum tissues and bones surrounding your teeth. Typically the result of poor brushing and flossing habits, periodontal disease occurs after bacteria from untreated plaque have caused an infection. Because our body’s response to infection is inflammation, gum disease can put our body under a lot of stress from chronic inflammation.

Cardiovascular Disease

If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, that same bacteria can actually get into your bloodstream. This bacteria can form plaque on your arteries that can harden and result in atherosclerosis, a very serious condition that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. The bacteria can also cause endocarditis, a serious condition that occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected.

Diabetes

Inflammation caused by poor oral health and gum disease can actually wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. Fighting an infection can weaken the body’s ability to properly use insulin, which can put you at an increased risk of developing diabetes. And the problem is a vicious cycle—the higher your blood sugar, the better the environment for oral bacteria to grow. People who already have diabetes are more susceptible to infections and need to be very careful to take care of their oral health.

Pregnancy Complications

Because hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can cause a woman to develop oral infections much more easily, it is crucial that pregnant women practice good oral hygiene. Oral health problems in the mother, including gingivitis, have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in infants.

Respiratory issues. Certain bacteria from your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Schedule an Appointment Today

The message is clear: it’s critical to practice good oral hygiene and to see your dentist regularly in order to avoid serious risk to your overall health. Make an appointment with us today!