Oral Health And Overall Health: 5 Conditions That Might Be Caused By Poor Oral Health
Posted on: 12 October 2015
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Good oral hygiene isn't just important for your teeth, it's important for your entire body. Believe it or not, several health conditions can be linked to having poor oral health. So if you aren't convinced so how important teeth are now, you will be soon.
Here are five health conditions that might be caused by poor oral health:
1. Heart Disease
Dental health has been shown to have a direct connection to the heart. If you have poor oral health, or periodontal disease, you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. This is because the bacteria in your mouth enters your bloodstream through your gums and travels to your heart, which increases your risk of clogged arteries, stroke, and heart attack.
2. Alzheimer's
Poor oral health can also lead to an earlier onset of dementia and Alzheimer's. It is believed that inflammation and infection in the gums can travel to the brain. Once in the brain, it can cause the cells in your brain to die. Over time, this can lead to dementia or even Alzheimer's.
3. Diabetes
Bad oral health can also lead to diabetes. The reason behind this is simple: those with diabetes are more likely to contract infections, and vice-versa. There have also been studies that show having periodontal disease makes it more difficult to control blood sugar, which also leads to diabetes or complications with diabetes.
4. Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility
Surprisingly, your teeth also effect your reproductive organs. In men, poor oral health can lead to erectile dysfunction due to bacteria and inflamed blood vessels. The inflammation and bacteria can restrict blood flow, which makes it hard to get an erection and stay erect. In women, poor oral health can lead to infertility issues. According to Medical News Today, women with periodontal disease take longer to get pregnant. It may also be harder for those women to sustain a pregnancy.
5. Respiratory Issues
Finally, poor oral health can also affect your respiratory health. As you might guess, the bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs. Once there, they increase the risk of developing serious lung disorders and illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Periodontal disease can also aggravate existing lung issues, causing more frequent flare-ups or infections.
As you can see, having good oral health isn't just about having good teeth. It's about much more than that, including your overall health. So if you haven't visited a dentist, like the ones at Discovery Dental, in awhile, be sure to make an appointment soon.