Poor dental hygiene can lead to dental issues that, in turn, increase the possibility of chronic diseases. Research indicates that about half of the global population suffers from oral diseases. Hence, understanding the risks that dental health problems pose to your overall health is crucial.
How Dental Health Influences Your Health Conditions
Your mouth, similar to the main entrance of a house, is the primary gateway for both harmless and harmful bacteria. Insufficient oral hygiene may lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, causing oral infections that can spread to other parts of your body. This directly impacts not just your oral health but your overall health too.
Here are some health conditions or progressive disorders that are influenced by your dental health and vice versa:
- Alzheimer's Disease: This progressive decline in memory is often caused by a common type of bacteria known as P.gingivalis that originates from gum disease. This bacteria can travel from your mouth to your brain, thereby increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
- Blood Disorders: These can make your gums susceptible to bleeding or becoming pale in the presence of gum disease. It is essential to address any dental problems promptly to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Eating Disorders – Bulimia and Anorexia: These disorders can cause irreversible damage to your gums, teeth, and mouth. Essential nutrients like vitamin B, calcium, and iron are vital for oral health. If your diet is deficient in these nutrients, your gums and mouth's soft tissues may bleed easily.
- Celiac and Crohn's Disease: Both these autoimmune diseases can cause canker sores, as they affect the gastrointestinal tract starting from the mouth. This could be due to an allergic reaction to certain bacteria in your mouth. The incidence of tooth decay and cavities is higher in people with these diseases.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to persistent and severe dental problems like gum disease or tooth loss due to the body's weakened resistance to bacteria. Periodontitis, an extreme form of gum disease, can also make it challenging for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
- Heart Disease: Endocarditis, the inflammation of your heart's inner lining, can often be caused by bacteria. Poor dental hygiene can cause bacteria to travel through your bloodstream, increasing the risk of endocarditis and other serious heart problems like clogged arteries and stroke.
- Obesity: Excess accumulation of fat can risk your dental health, particularly from periodontal disease. The fat cells produce numerous chemical stimuli and hormones that cause inflammation in your body, leading to decreased immunity.
- Respiratory Problems: Issues like pneumonia can increase due to poor oral health as the bacteria in your mouth could travel to your lungs and multiply.
- Pregnancy Complications: Poor dental hygiene can significantly increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. If your teeth and gums are not healthy, you risk developing periodontal disease.
Extensive research on various health issues reveals that poor dental health can impact your overall health. However, most of these problems can be prevented by regular dental check-ups and diligent practice of proper oral care. It's high time to stop harmful bacteria from thriving in your mouth and spreading to other parts of your body.
