We’ve all heard that health is your wealth but we don’t often realize how interrelated our bodies are. This is particularly true when it comes to our dental health. Mouth hygiene gained much attention in recent years since many of the symptoms associated with poor dental care might be connected to other chronic diseases in the body. Oral diseases affect more than just the mouth; they can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious ailments. Keep reading if you want to know how poor oral health can lead to various chronic diseases.
Stroke
You may be at higher stroke risk if you are missing part or all of your teeth, or if you have lost considerable quantities of bone and tissue surrounding your teeth. Acute periodontitis has been linked to the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks. We will get to that in detail in a bit.
Diabetes
Adults with diabetes are more likely to develop dental problems and vice versa. Diabetic patients’ immunity is lowered as a result of uncontrolled blood sugar, and they can be gravely harmed by even less aggressive pathogenic organisms. Patients with diabetes are recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid these unfavorable consequences.
Mental Health
You may not know it, but your dental and mental health are inextricably linked. Mental health might be harmed by poor oral health since you could be self-conscious about your teeth, or you might find it difficult to eat and drink in public. This might drive you to avoid social situations, which can lead to social isolation, a no-no for older folks.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a condition that affects not just the kidneys but also the bones, heart, and blood pressure. Kidney disease can be caused by periodontitis. Individuals with gum disease often have weakened resistance to infection, making them more vulnerable. Many people with poor dental health have kidney disease, which if left untreated can lead to kidney failure.
Tooth and Bone Loss
Tooth and bone loss are two of the most serious consequences of ignoring your oral hygiene. If you have gum disease or dental decay, they will continue to harm your teeth and oral tissues until you take action. Allowing these problems to persist without treatment might quicken the tooth and bone loss process.
Cardiovascular Disease
You are more likely to get heart disease if you have poor dental health. Bacteria from infected gums travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the arteries of the heart and complications in the heart valves. If you have a pre-existing illness like congestive heart failure, this is very risky. The combo can cause an infection or bacterial endocarditis, which is an inflammatory heart lining disorder.
You can lower your chance of having a life-threatening condition by taking proper care of your teeth, obtaining regular dental examinations, and addressing any dental issues that arise. If you already have some of those health issues, you must pay more attention to your oral health to prevent existing problems from worsening.
