How Can Poor Oral Hygiene Affect the Body?

We are told to brush our teeth from a very young age. After all, taking care of your teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene is paramount for more than one reason.

Our mouths serve as an entryway for food and ingestion of most of the germs and bacteria our body has grown over the years to fight off. However, sometimes poor oral hygiene can become a menace. It can lead to severe and chronic conditions that our bodies cannot fight off independently. Consequently, you can end up with life-threatening diseases just because of your teeth.

So before you think that brushing your teeth twice daily is the best you can do to maintain your oral hygiene – check out the following profound health implications that are commonly caused by poor oral hygiene.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Believe it or not, poor oral hygiene puts you at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that people who suffer from periodontal disease are twice more likely to develop a chronic heart condition than those who don’t. The plaque entering the bloodstream through your gums increases the risk of bacteria clogging your arteries.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are already susceptible to infections like infected gums and cavities. However, periodontal diseases can make diabetes even more difficult to control. Studies show that almost 95% of American diabetics also have periodontal disease, leading to tooth loss. Symptoms can worsen due to the blood sugar levels spiking.

Pregnancy Complications

All mothers-to-be should maintain pristine oral health. Because believe it or not, your bad teeth brushing skills can cause pregnancy complications. It happens over time as hormonal changes in a pregnant woman make her easily susceptible to oral infections. As any disease is harmful to a pregnant woman – oral ones can lead to premature birth.

Erectile Dysfunction

One of the most commonly known effects of poor oral hygiene in men has to be erectile dysfunction. It puts men at increased risk of suffering through the pain as periodontal disease is related directly to erectile dysfunction. The bacteria from infarcted gums goes through the bloodstream, causing inflamed blood vessels which constrict the blood flow to your genitals.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections such as pneumonia are an increasing result of poor oral hygiene. The bacteria reserves of your teeth can travel through the bloodstream and get absorbed into your lungs. It can manifest and aggravate the respiratory system, especially for people who already suffer from respiratory problems, and cause breathing ailments like bronchitis.

Bottom Line

We all know how we can easily prevent the onset of such life-altering and threatening diseases. It is to take 100% care of our oral hygiene as suggested by dentists who understand these issues better.

Looking for a reliable dental consult? At Ortodontist, our experts are experienced and trained to assess and cater to specific requirements of our patients. We have the best dentists. Whether you want guidance or reassurance for a particular procedure like dental implants, we have an expert hand at the job.

For more details, get in touch with us today!