First of all, bad oral health can obviously have an effect on your gum and tooth health. Plaque can build up, create toxins that damage the gums, and can cause gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, creates pockets that separate the gum from the teeth. There are two stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. There are treatments for periodontal disease, but the best option is to prevent it. Brushing regularly, flossing, and making biannual dentist checkups can help keep you from getting gum disease. Poor oral health can also lead to tooth decay and many other oral health problems.

These oral health problems can eventually lead to additional health issues, making oral health more important than you may think. As you fail to brush and floss your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth can reach harmful levels, causing health problems and playing a role in different diseases. We will take a closer look at some of these health concerns and how poor oral hygiene can be contributing.

While studies are still being done to nail down the link between oral health and heart health, issues like endocarditis and cardiovascular disease may be worsened by the extra bacteria. Endocarditis is an infection in the inner lining of the heart, which is generally caused by bacteria from other areas of the body mixing into the bloodstream. That bacteria could easily be from your mouth if you are not taking care of your smile. As for cardiovascular disease, while still being researched for a link, the clogged arteries that cause heart disease may be linked to the infection and inflammation from the bacteria in your mouth.

The Absolute Dental blog post mentions that people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. But periodontal disease can also make it more difficult to control diabetes. Gum disease can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels, making it hard to prevent complications with diabetes and increasing the risk of developing diabetes in people with poor oral health.

People with poor oral hygiene can suffer from many different health issues and concerns, and whether it is directly linked or not, taking care of you mouth is important. In our next blog we will discuss proper dental care techniques. Brush and floss daily, and be sure to schedule regular appointments with you dentist! Contact Brookside Dental Care to schedule your next appointment and start working towards a healthier smile!