How Can Poor Oral Health Affect The Rest Of The Body?

Dental complications can have a huge impact on your life. But while many people believe oral health problems only affect your teeth and gums, they can actually cause issues for the rest of your body. This is why it’s essential to visit a general dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups. Doing so not only improves your oral health, but it can also lead to a boost in your overall health.

Keep reading to learn about the various ways poor oral health can impact the rest of your body.

Where’s the Connection?

Your oral health may be more essential than you realize. As your mouth is the entry point to your internal body, your oral health can play a massive role in your overall health. When problems arise, it’s typically due to bacteria—and some of these bacteria can cause disease.

When you combine a good oral health regimen with your body’s natural defenses, this can help to limit the amount of bacteria floating around your body. Seeing the dentist for routine dental care can also help. Of course, brushing and flossing are the most common ways to combat this bacteria. However, when you don’t practice proper oral health techniques, your overall health could be at risk. If there’s an abundance of harmful bacteria in your mouth, this could lead to an oral infection. Tooth decay and gum disease are some of the most common dental infections out there.

Poor dental health isn’t only caused by an improper dental hygiene regimen—certain medications can also be to blame. Some decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can limit the flow of saliva in our mouths, which can lead to dental complications. As saliva helps to wash away food and neutralize acids that come from bacteria, a reduction in saliva can lead to some problems. If the microbes in your mouth’s bacteria multiply, that can eventually lead to disease.

What Are the Risks of Poor Oral Health?

Oral health complications not only impact your smile, but they can also lead to other health issues throughout the body.

While poor oral health can cause several medical conditions and diseases, the following tend to be the most common:

Cardiovascular Disease

While it’s hard to pinpoint the connection, some research claims that inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria may lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, and even a stroke. To ensure a healthy heart, be sure to visit a dental office for routine teeth cleaning.

If you’re searching for a trusted family dentistry in Manakin-Sabot, VA to handle all of your dental care needs, Goochland Dentistry is here for you. From root canal treatments to preventative checkups, we’ll help to improve your oral health.

Pneumonia

On some occasions, oral bacteria can find its way into your lungs, leading to catching pneumonia or another respiratory disease.

Endocarditis

This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. Endocarditis can be caused by bacteria or other germs found in another part of your body, such as your mouth. Unfortunately, this bacteria can travel throughout your bloodstream or certain parts of your heart, sometimes leading to complications.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

A severe gum disease, referred to as periodontitis, has been associated with premature birth, including low birth weight.

Diabetes

Those with diabetes are more prone to oral infection, but diabetes can also make periodontal disease more challenging to manage. As these people have blood sugar levels that fluctuate, gum disease can make the problem more severe.

If you have diabetes, good oral health practices are highly encouraged. Of course, you always want to brush and floss daily, but it’s also important to visit a family dentistry at least twice a year for teeth cleaning and other preventative measures.

Another factor to remember is that poor dental health can actually lead to developing diabetes. As gum disease can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, someone with poor oral health is at a higher risk of becoming diabetic.

Dementia

While it may sound like a surprise, inadequate oral health can also impact your brain, possibly leading to dementia. When you have inflamed gums from an oral infection, special substances are released that actually kill brain cells. This can lead to memory loss and other cognitive problems. Gingivitis is a common oral health condition that can lead to developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Gingivitis happens when mouth bacteria enters the bloodstream or travels through nerve channels.

As we age, our overall health starts to decline. To put your best foot forward and do what’s right for your health, seeing a general dentistry for routine teeth cleaning appointments is very important.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is another serious condition that can be brought on by periodontal disease. Chronic kidney disease is a health problem that impacts the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. As gum disease leads to a weaker immune system, these people tend to be more prone to developing certain infections. If you suffer from severe oral health issues, you could also have kidney disease. As this disease can be fatal if left untreated, visiting a dental office at least twice a year is critical.

Prevention Measures

To do what’s best for your overall health, practicing good oral hygiene practices is highly encouraged. While it’s important to visit a general dentistry at least twice a year for routine cleanings, you should also brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid using tobacco products. Other tips involve eating and drinking less sugar, ensuring a nutritious diet, and taking supplements that can actually boost your oral health.

Contact Goochland Dentistry Today!

Are you searching for a reliable family dentistry in the Manakin-Sabot, VA area? If so, look no further than Goochland Dentistry! Whether you need dental implants, teeth whitening, root canal treatment, or routine teeth cleaning, we’re here for your needs!

We help patients of all ages, so give Goochland Dentistry a call today to make an appointment!

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