26 Aug The Effects of Poor Dental Hygiene on Your Overall Health
Bad breath, achy teeth, and cavities are all signs of poor dental care, but did you know that other areas of your body can be affected by poor dental hygiene? The consequences of not regularly brushing your teeth reach far beyond a less than favorable smile.
Respiratory Infections
Poor dental hygiene can result in respiratory infections . People suffering from gum disease can even end up developing a lung infection or pneumonia. These risks come from breathing in bacteria from infected teeth and gums.
Diabetic Symptoms
Diabetics, in particular, are at a greater risk of periodontal disease —commonly called gum disease. Inflammation of gum tissue and periodontal disease makes it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels and worsen the symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes also makes it more difficult to treat gum disease, which means it can be much more difficult to regain your oral health.
Possible Memory Problems
Although the science is not complete, Scientists at Britain’s University of Central Lancashire are studying the link between poor oral hygiene and worsened memory, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Experts believe that there may be a link between oral bacteria that can spread to the brain via cranial nerves and your bloodstream.
“We are working on the theory that when the brain is repeatedly exposed to bacteria and/or debris from our gums, subsequent immune responses may lead to nerve cell death and possibly memory loss,” says Dr. Sim Singhrao of the University. Many scientists believe more research on this topic is needed, and the study is still ongoing.
Heart Disease
Perhaps most serious, poor dental hygiene can result in heart disease . Bacteria found in gum and periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream. This bacteria can travel to your arteries and cause hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This essential means that plaque can develop on the artery walls and decrease blood circulation, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This and nearly every other health risk of bad oral hygiene is exacerbated if the patient is a smoker—as if you needed one more reason to quit smoking!
In order to prevent these health ailments, establish regular dental hygiene habits. Excellent oral care means brushing and flossing properly and regularly, as well as engaging in a diet full of healthy foods and low on gummy foods and abrasive beverages, such as candy and soda. It’s important to make regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups that can spot any signs of oral decay and poor health.
The professionals at Medical Arts Dental encourage your path to healthy oral care by providing excellent patient oral care check-ups and educational resources on preventative care. Request an appointment with Medical Arts Dental to take care of your dental care and overall health today!