It’s absolutely essential that you take good care of your gums and teeth.
There are very few people who actually know just how important good oral health is on your overall health. The mouth is the ultimate gateway into your body, so any bacteria from your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and put you at risk for other conditions and diseases.
You’re supposed to brush and floss every single day, but do you do it? According to a statistical survey performed, and nearly 19% do not floss at all. That’s a lot of people with poor dental hygiene!
So what does this mean for your overall health and well-being? It means a lot, and here are some of the most serious effects of poor dental hygiene on your body.
1. Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
Individuals who suffer from some type of periodontal disease are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and narrowing of the arteries that is caused by plaque and bacteria that enters the body through the gums.
This bacteria has the ability to clog arteries and increase your risk of a severe heart attack. The blood vessel that sends blood to your brain can become clogged and increase your risk of suffering from a stroke as well.
2. Risk of Suffering from Dementia
If you have poor oral hygiene and it causes you to suffer from tooth loss, this could lead to potential loss of memory which can then lead to dementia. There are substances which are inflammatory in nature that can cause parts of your brain to die.
3. Respiratory Conditions
If you suffer from periodontal disease, bacteria has the potential to travel into your bloodstream and into your lungs where it can have a direct impact on your respiratory system. It puts you at a greater risk of suffering from acute bronchitis or chronic pneumonia according to studies performed by the Journal of Periodontology.
4. Risk of Diabetes
Studies have shown that more than 95% of the individuals who live in the United States that have diabetes also have some form of periodontal disease or loss of teeth.
If you’re someone that suffers from diabetes, you are more likely to contract certain infections. Diabetes can also directly impact a person’s ability to control their levels of blood sugar.
5. Risk of Cancer
Many experts have researched the subject of individuals with periodontal disease and their risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
As it turns out, men who suffer from gum disease are almost 50% more likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer or cancer of the pancreas. They’re also 30% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer within the blood. That’s a great reason to practice good dental hygiene.
Symptoms of dental and oral problems
You shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist. Going to the dentist twice a year will usually allow them to catch a problem before you even notice any symptoms.
If you experience any of the following warning signs of dental health issues, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible:
- ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week or two
- bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing
- chronic bad breath
- sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages
- pain or toothache
- loose teeth
- receding gums
- pain with chewing or biting
- swelling of the face and cheek
- clicking of the jaw
- cracked or broken teeth
- frequent dry mouth
If any of these symptoms are accompanied by a high fever and facial or neck swelling, you should seek emergency medical treatment. Learn more about the warning signs of oral health issues.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy
Good oral health boils down to good general health and common sense. The best ways to prevent oral health problems are to:
- brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- floss at least once a day (one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent disease in your oral cavity)
- have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional every six months
- avoid tobacco products
- follow a high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
- limit sugary snacks and drinks
Foods with hidden sugars include:
- condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce
- sliced fruit or applesauce in cans or jars that have added sugars
- flavored yogurt
- pasta sauce
- sweetened iced tea
- soda
- sports drinks
- juice or juice blends
- granola and cereal bars
- muffins
Get more tips on preventing oral health problems. Good oral health is especially important to groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.