How Bad Oral Hygiene Can Affect Your Overall Health
Hey, we get it! A visit to the dentist is often not at the top of everyone’s list of favourite things to do, however, maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about having a bright smile and fresh breath; it is crucial for your overall health. Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to a host of health issues that go beyond your mouth. Here’s how poor oral care can impact your entire body.
Gum Disease and Systemic Health
Poor oral hygiene often leads inflamed and bleeding gums (gingivitis) and can progress to destroy the supporting jawbone (periodontitis). Remember healthy gums do not bleed!
Gingivitis and periodontitis are linked to several systemic health problems, including:
Cardiovascular Disease: Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart-related conditions.
Diabetes: Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, worsening diabetes. Conversely, diabetes can exacerbate gum infections, creating a vicious cycle.
Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from your mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or exacerbating chronic lung conditions like COPD.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are at higher risk for several complications, such as:
Preterm Birth: Infections and inflammation in the mouth can trigger premature labor. Studies have shown a link between periodontitis and preterm, low-birth-weight babies.
Preeclampsia: Severe gum disease has been associated with this dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems.
Digestive Issues
Digestion begins in the mouth, and poor oral health can affect your digestive system:
Improper Chewing: Missing or decayed teeth can hinder proper chewing, leading to a poor diet, nutrient deficiencies and subsequent digestive problems.
Bacterial Imbalance: Swallowed bacteria from the mouth can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Increased Risk of Infection
A healthy mouth acts as a barrier to infection, but poor oral hygiene can compromise this barrier:
Weakened Immune System: Chronic oral infections lead to systemic inflammation which can make it harder for your body to fight off infections elsewhere.
Spread of Infections: Infected gums and decayed teeth can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious conditions like endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining).
Mental Health
The impact of bad oral hygiene extends to mental health as well:
Low Self-Esteem: Bad breath, stained teeth, and visible decay can cause embarrassment and lower self-esteem, affecting social interactions and overall mental well-being.
Chronic Pain: Untreated oral health issues can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Good oral hygiene is essential for more than just a healthy mouth; it’s a cornerstone of overall health. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are vital in preventing not only oral health problems but also a wide range of systemic health issues. Take care of your teeth and gums to protect your overall health and enhance your quality of life. If you haven’t already, make oral hygiene a priority in your daily routine.
We encourage you to think of your continuing care and preventative dentistry as being as important as regular car servicing.
At Kingston Beach Dental we prioritise improving your oral health, and we aspire to improve the health of the community.
