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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Sheri Salartash, DDS, MAGD, NMD, IBDM, FIAOMT, FAAO, FIAO, FICOI
Bad Dental Hygiene Can Lead To Other Problems
Dynamic Dental Wellness
. https://dynamicdentalwellness.com/

Bad Dental Hygiene Can Lead To Other Problems

Most people understand that poor dental care can lead to cavities, plaque, gingivitis and halitosis. What many are discovering is the link to more serious health problems resulting from poor oral care. The science is in: If you don’t take care of your teeth, you face far more serious consequences than a simple toothache or some unsightly stains.

The Risks Of Poor Dental Hygiene

Practicing proper dental care and taking care of issues in the mouth is critical to maintaining overall health. The mouth is not a detached system of the body. As the inflammation from pathogens or periodontal disease damages the tiny blood vessels in your gums, oral bacteria are allowed to enter your bloodstream. They can travel to organs throughout the body, including the brain, heart, lungs and more. Oral bacteria are frequently found in parts of the body that have other problems.

Conversely, these other health problems happening in the body can influence oral health as well. People with diabetes, for example, are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without it, likely because they’re more susceptible to contracting infections overall, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Although the body has many systems in place to manage these bugs, some harmful species have been associated with a number of diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, Alzheimer’s disease and even depression. Multiple peer reviewed studies and respected organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association have sent the message that consistent dental hygiene is an important component of overall good health. The following highlight some areas of concern as possible consequences from the lack of dental care.

Cardiovascular Disease. In a nutshell, this means heart disease. The bacteria from inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart and cause atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes plaque to develop on the inner walls of arteries. This decreases blood flow through the body, which can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The inner lining of the heart can also become infected and inflamed, a condition known as endocarditis.

Dementia. The bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain through nerve channels in the head or through the bloodstream, which could lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Respiratory Infections. The Journal of Periodontology warns that gum disease could cause infections in the lungs, including pneumonia. While the connection might not be completely obvious at first, this is a result of inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums over a long period of time.

Diabetic Complications. Inflammation of the gum tissue and periodontal disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar and make your diabetes symptoms worse. Diabetes sufferers are also more susceptible to periodontal disease, making proper dental care even more important for those with this condition.

Poor dental care is also a possible factor in other conditions, such as immune system disorders, weak bones, problems with pregnancy and low birth weight.

Tips for Healthy Teeth

Encourage your family to practice good oral hygiene by brushing after every meal with natural tooth paste, flossing daily and using a mouth rinse to kill bacteria. Here are a few more tips for keeping your teeth healthy:

  • Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth. Many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night; but brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
  • Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to avoid plaque build-up and bad breathe.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Sugar ultimately converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth and even lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel.
  • Drink more water, especially after each meal. Water is an important dental health ally as it helps to wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

Make sure you eat food that supports the nutritional needs for your body. Every meal should be balanced with protein, fat and leafy green vegetables.

You should also visit a dental professional regularly for cleanings, and the prevention and treatment of cavities. Remember, people who keep their teeth healthy live longer and better.

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