Oral health is not just for the health of your teeth and gums; instead, it paves a path to your body. Having poor oral health can have a negative impact on other parts of your body. The most common signs that show you have poor oral health are toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath. When the bacteria in your mouth gets to your bloodstream, it can end up spreading infection and inflammation to different parts of the body.

What are the health problems that occur due to poor oral health?

These are the health problems you might face if you neglect taking care of your oral health:

Heart Disease

Having poor oral health might lead to cardiovascular disease. When the gum disease progresses to periodontal disease, the bacteria causing gum inflammation can travel through the bloodstream making the arteries build up plaque. This hardens over time, leading to atherosclerosis, which is a serious health condition that can affect blood flow and cause heart blockages, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Dementia

As mentioned earlier, the bacteria that cause gum inflammation can kill brain cells. This may lead to memory loss or dementia and, in serious cases, even Alzheimer’s disease.

Respiratory Infections

The bacteria that cause infection in the teeth and gums can get into your lungs through the bloodstream, thus, leading to respiratory infections, pneumonia, etc.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are already susceptible to infections causing periodontal disease. So, they need to take good care of their oral health to prevent any oral health complications. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, which makes you more prone to diabetes.

Pregnancy Complications

Women are more prone to hormonal changes during pregnancy, making it easy for their bodies to develop oral infections. Any infection in their body increases the risk of having pregnancy complications and, in severe cases, premature birth and low birth weight in new born.

How can you prevent all these health issues?

You can prevent serious health issues by following these good oral hygiene habits:

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day.
• Floss between teeth daily.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
• Consume a well-balanced diet.

Call Daniel Tebbi DMD Cosmetic Dentistry And Orthodontics at (818) 789-2034, schedule an appointment online, or visit us at 16661 Ventura Blvd Ste 620, Encino, CA 91436 for more details.