8 Ways How Poor Oral Health Affects the Entire Body?
Do you know that your current oral health reflects a lot about your overall health? In other words, dental issues have a very strong and direct connection with the rest of the body. You see, the mouth is the entry point to the respiratory and digestive tracts. So it becomes essential to guard the gateway from the harmful invaders.
We normally follow habits like brushing and flossing to keep bacteria breeding under control. Any lapses in this schedule can trigger bacteria breeding and infections. This condition can also lead to gum diseases and tooth decay. Apart from this, certain medications can also restrict the saliva flow leading to multiplication of microbes. All of these can contribute to various health conditions and diseases including HIV/AIDS. Let us know more about it.
How Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health?
- Endocarditis – This infection happens in the inner lining of the valves or heart chambers. It ideally occurs when the bacteria spread into the bloodstreams through the mouth and attach to the heart. Moreover, the infection might become lethal if not treated immediately.
- Cardiovascular Diseases – Medical research suggests poor oral health can trigger cardiovascular disorders in a person. It can lead to clogged arteries, heart diseases and even heart attack.
- Complications in Pregnancy – Many women experience complications in their pregnancies post tooth implant procedure. It happens due to poor post-implant care. It can lead to issues like low birth weight and instances of premature birth.
- Pneumonia – Health experts recommend that the bacteria in the mouth can travel to your lungs. It can cause some severe respiratory issues including pneumonia. So make sure, you brush and floss your teeth properly every day.
- Diabetes – Periodontal disease can trigger inflammation in the mouth. It gradually begins to compromise the body’s ability to process sugar and utilise insulin into energy. The prolonged condition can lead to a high blood sugar level in the body.
- Cancer – Do you know that there is a strong correlation between gum diseases and cancer? Poor oral hygiene can lead to pancreatic cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. However, the exact cause and effect factors are yet to be confirmed by the medical experts.
- Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Disease – This condition occurs when the brain is continuously exposed to bacteria and other harmful agents. This bacteria is powerful enough to weaken the nerve cells, resulting in a memory loss.
Further Complications
- Gum infection may also progress to Advanced Periodontitis, the teeth may become loose and fall out.
- Refraining from socialising due to dental or oral conditions may lead to detrimental impact on brain.
The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of different diseases and can also lead to creating several health issues in the body. Apart from the mentioned diseases, poor oral health can also lead to osteoporosis, affecting the back, hip, and wrist.
Make sure you use mouthwash to get rid of the stuck food particles and limit your sugar intake. You should also schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. Last but not least, consult your dentist as soon as you experience any oral problem. Good luck.
