6 Serious Health Issues Caused By Poor Oral Health

Oral health is more than just health of your teeth, mouth, and gums; it can affect your overall health. Poor oral health can lead to serious health problems later in life. It’s important for you to practice good oral health and to see your dentist at least twice a year.

If you do not have a dentist currently, you need to begin a search to find the dental office that works for you. For example, if you live in Lehi, UT, consider Canyon Crest Dental for your dental services; they can answer any questions you have and put you on a path towards exceptional dental health.

Here are the most serious health problems that are caused by poor oral health.

Oral health is more than just health of your teeth, mouth, and gums; it can affect your overall health. Poor oral health can lead to serious health problems later in life.

Cardiovascular Disease

Poor oral health can put an individual at risk of cardiovascular disease. If you have inflamed gums that leads to periodontal disease, that bacteria can enter your bloodstream and can clog your arteries. This leads to plaque buildup, which is known as atherosclerosis, a medical condition that should be taken seriously.

This can lead to poor blood flow and heart blockages. It also increases your risk of heart attack. This damage on your arteries and blood vessels can lead to other health problems, such as stroke and hypertension. The lining of your heart can become infected, causing endocarditis, which is also fatal.

The scary thing about having cardiovascular disease is that it often goes undetected. Aside from practicing good oral health, you should also eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise on a regular basis. People who exercise an average of 48 minutes per day are less likely to have cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more susceptible to sore and sensitive gums that can lead to periodontal disease. It can also make their diabetes harder to control. Symptoms of diabetes worsen due to the gum disease. It can make your blood sugar levels go up and down.

Diabetics should take extra precautions when it comes to taking care of their oral health and overall health. This can prevent complications associated with the disease. Since gum disease is a cause of higher blood sugar levels, people with poor oral health have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Erectile Dysfunction

Poor oral health can also lead to erectile dysfunction in men. This chronic periodontal disease is the underlying factor for ED. This condition causes the gum to pull away from the teeth and attract bacteria, allowing the disease to spread to the bone surrounding the teeth. This bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in your blood vessels. This inflammation reduces blood flow to the genitals, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is also a concern for individuals with poor oral health. It not only affects the kidneys, but it can also affect the bones, heart, and blood pressure levels. Individuals with a history of gum disease have weaker immune systems than those who don’t. They’re more likely to acquire kidney infections. Kidney disease is a leading health problem in those with poor oral health. This health condition can be fatal if it leads to cardiovascular disease or kidney failure.

Pregnancy Complications

It’s very important for pregnant mothers to practice good oral hygiene to reduce health risks during pregnancy. Oral infections are often caused by hormonal changes in the body. Any infection in a pregnant woman’s body can increase her risk of pregnancy complications.

Poor oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to premature birth and low birthweight in newborns. A mother who has a history of gum disease can put her baby at risk of health problems.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with gum disease were four times more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis, according to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. The most common symptom in both of these diseases is inflammation. Gingivitis can cause inflammation and spread bacteria throughout the body. This increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a painful inflammatory disease in the joints.

The best way to prevent these serious health problems from happening is to practice good oral health. Schedule regular visits with your dentist. Brush and floss your teeth every day, twice a day. Use toothpaste and oral products that contain fluoride.

Healthy teeth and gums don’t bleed and feel sore when brushing or flossing. Healthy gums are pink and a healthy breath smells fresh. Keep these signs in mind when you’re practicing good oral health. Good oral health is an indicator of good health. Taking care of your oral health can decrease the risk of health problems.

Are you safeguarding your health with good oral care practices?

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