Everyone knows that poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
But did you know that poor oral health can also lead to problems as serious as infertility or even a heart attack?
Good oral hygiene means much more than healthy gums and shiny teeth. From cardiovascular health to mental abilities, everything is linked to oral health in one way or another.
It’s important to realize that the mouth is the gateway to the body, so everything you consume passes through the mouth. When you practice poor oral hygiene, bacteria from your mouth can easily enter your bloodstream, causing infections and problems throughout the body. Scroll down to learn everything about the impacts of oral health on the general health of the body and discover our 6 preventive tips!
“The mouth is the gateway to the body”
Respiratory Problems
Poor oral health can impact multiple organs, including the lungs. It can affect the respiratory system in different ways. Research confirms that there are approximately 300 different types of bacteria in the mouth. When you turn a blind eye to your poor oral health, bacteria from bleeding gums and decaying teeth can be inhaled into the lungs. If this happens, it can cause or worsen several infections and breathing problems, including asthma, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis. In some cases, this can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which encompasses several respiratory disorders, including emphysema.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Can a stroke be linked to the habit of not brushing your teeth at least twice a day? Well, definitely yes! Oral inflammation and the bacteria it causes can play an important role in blocking the arteries of the heart. Research suggests that if the bacteria that cause inflammation in the mouth spread to other parts of the body, it can cause inflammation in other areas as well. This means that while you snack on your favorite snacks while having inflammation in your mouth, there is a good chance that the bacteria will cling to the food and eventually be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When they reach the heart, they can cause inflammation of the arteries. This inflammation promotes the production of plaques in the arteries, which ultimately leads to their blockage, affecting your overall cardiovascular health. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that experts believe that people who suffer from gum disease are at greater risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Risks and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes, including abrupt changes in hormonal levels. These changes make women more likely to develop oral infections. This means that it’s important for expectant mothers to pay close attention to their oral health.
But how exactly does this affect the health of mother and child? Well, oral infections during pregnancy have also been linked to low birth weight in infants, which can give rise to another set of health problems in itself. This reflects the importance of oral hygiene for pregnant women.
Relationship with Diabetes
Dental health has a complex relationship with diabetes. Diabetes makes it difficult for an individual to maintain good oral health. At the same time, poor oral hygiene promotes diabetes and other related symptoms. Thus, a person suffering from diabetes can easily enter a vicious cycle. People with poor dental health have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that, under normal circumstances, bacteria from the mouth do not mix with the bloodstream; this is likely to happen when you have cavities or gum disease. What to do to prevent Here are our 6 express tips to prevent health problems linked to poor oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth regularly: Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss: Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth. (don’t skip this step! )
- See your dentist: Make regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and oral health checkups.
- Eat a balanced diet: Avoid sugary and sticky foods that can promote tooth decay.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking contributes to many dental and oral problems.
- Hydrate: Drinking water regularly helps maintain proper salivation, which is crucial for oral health.
By following these steps, you’ll not only protect your teeth and gums, but also your overall health! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you suspect a deterioration in your dental health or experience pain. We’re here to help you if you have any doubts.
Contact Clinique Dentaire Champlain! (450) 923-1361 / info@cliniquedentairechamplain.ca
