Complications of poor oral hygiene

It is absolutely essential that you take good care of your gums and teeth. There are very few people who actually know just how important it is on your overall health. The mouth is the ultimate gateway into your body, so any bacteria from your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and put you at risk for other conditions and diseases.

You are supposed to brush and floss every single day, but do you do it? According to a statistical survey performed by the American Dental Association in 2013, less than 31% of Americans floss daily, and nearly 19% do not floss at all. So what does this mean for your overall health and well-being? It means a lot, and here are some of the most serious effects that poor oral hygiene can have on your body.

1. Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke

Individuals who suffer from some type of periodontal disease are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and narrowing of the arteries that is caused by plaque and bacteria that enters the body through the gums. This bacteria has the ability to clog arteries and increase your risk of a severe heart attack. The blood vessel that sends blood to your brain can become clogged and increase your risk of suffering from a stroke.

2. Risk of Suffering from Dementia

If you have poor oral hygiene and it causes you to suffer from tooth loss this could lead to potential loss of memory which can then lead to dementia. There are substances which are inflammatory in nature that can cause your brain to become inflamed which could cause brain death.

3. Respiratory Conditions

If you suffer from periodontal disease the bacteria has the potential to travel into your bloodstream and into your lungs where it can have a direct impact on your respiratory system. It puts you at a greater risk of suffering from acute bronchitis or chronic pneumonia according to studies performed by the Journal of Periodontology.

4. Risk of Diabetes

Studies have shown that more than 95% of the individuals who live in the United States that have diabetes also have some form of periodontal disease or loss of teeth. If you are someone who suffers from diabetes you are more likely to contact certain infections. Diabetes can also directly impact a diabetic’s ability to control their levels of blood sugar.

5. Risk of Cancer

There have been many experts who have researched the subject of individuals with periodontal disease and their risk of being diagnosed with cancer. As it turns out that men who suffer from gum disease were almost 50% more likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer or cancer of the pancreas. They are also 30% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer within the blood.

Other Serious Issues

If those did not seem bad enough, there are many other diseases and conditions that could occur if you do not take care of your teeth regularly.

• Infertility problems
• Erectile dysfunction
• Risk of premature birth

And many, many more…

Good oral hygiene may not be something that you think about on a regular basis but it should be. Not taking good care of your teeth and your gums can put you at serious risks for serious diseases and conditions that at times can be potentially fatal. Take care of your teeth and gums and see your dentist regularly for your scheduled check-ups.