Health Risks Associated with Poor Dental Hygiene

Did you know that poor dental hygiene can cause serious overall health issues? If you don’t know, then please read this article!

Here I will tell you about some common and severe health problems caused by poor dental hygiene.
We know that not brushing our teeth daily can cause cavities, bad breath, or tooth decay.

But recent research finds that poor dental hygiene can also cause serious health risks, such as increased risks for diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease.
So, it is incredibly important to practice good dental hygiene and regularly see your dentist to minimize severe risks to your body’s overall health.

Health Risks Associated with Poor Dental Hygiene

Heart Disease

Having poor dental health can increase your risk of having heart disease. When your gums become inflamed and swollen, this can be due to bacteria that leads to periodontal disease. These bacteria can enter into the bloodstream causing your arteries to build up plaque and harden.
This hardening of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. It causes serious blood flow issues and heart blockages, enhancing the probability of having a heart attack or other heart problems.

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia

There are different studies available that show the link between gum disease and dementia. Professionals believe this connection occurs when your brain is repeatedly exposed to bacteria or other dangerous agents from the gums. These bacteria lead to the immune responses that ultimately cause nerve cells to die, resulting in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, individuals having gum disorders are five times more at risk of having Rheumatoid Arthritis. Inflammation or swelling is common in both diseases.
The oral bacteria from gingivitis can maximize swelling or inflammation throughout your body. This increases the risk of growing rheumatoid arthritis, a painful or debilitating inflammatory disease. If you want to avoid this disease, then you should pay attention to your dental health.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may negatively impact your bones in the hip, back, or wrist, while gum disorder primarily happens in your teeth and jawbone. The recent studies are trying to prove that swelling or inflammation from periodontal disorder influences the bones throughout your body, not just your jawbone and teeth.

Diabetes

Infected gums that cause periodontal disease can further make diabetes more difficult to control. The dangerous symptoms include increased blood sugar levels due to gum disease. It is particularly significant for diabetes people to take good care of their dental health to prevent complications with their disorder.

Cancer

Indeed, poor dental health practices like drinking alcohol, smoking, or utilizing tobacco can cause oral or throat cancers. Still, other kinds of cancer have also been associated with gum disorder. The risk for kidney cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancers is more remarkable for low dental health individuals.

Erectile Dysfunction

Having improper dental hygiene can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Chronic periodontal disorder is renowned for being linked to erectile dysfunction. CPD is a disease that takes place when your gums pull away that produces pockets having bacteria and permits them to spread across the bone surrounding teeth.

Ways to Prevent Health Issues Related to Poor Dental Hygiene

You can improve your dental health by practising good oral hygiene and ensure regular visits with your dentist.
Below are the ways to prevent low dental issues;

• Brush your teeth and gums for 2 mins at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth on a daily basis
• Avoid smoking cigarettes
• Limit chewing tobacco items and also avoid alcohol
• Utilize toothpaste or mouthwash products that have fluoride.
• Avoid consuming sugary items and beverages.
• Eat a well-balanced diet for good nutrition.
• Consume dietary supplements that will maximize your dental health.

Take home message

Dental health is an indicator and guarantee of your overall health. Keeping good dental hygiene and preventing oral health problems like gingivitis or periodontal disorders can minimize the risk for more medical severe diseases like heart disease, kidney problems, cancer, diabetes, and many more throughout your body.