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Posted on 8/13/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
 Your mouth is your body's primary entryway, which is why poor oral health has overall negative consequences on your body. This is also why you need to take good care of your teeth and gums by flossing on a regular basis. Bad oral health results in numerous problems.Cardiovascular DiseaseInflamed gums lead to periodontal disease. This bacterium can enter your bloodstream, causing arteries to build up plaque and harden. From there it can cause blood flow problems, heart blockages, impact your arteries, causing you to have a stroke, and even give you a heart attack. DementiaPoor oral health affects your brain because your gums will release its infectious bacteria there where it starts killing brain cells and causing memory loss (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer's). Respiratory InfectionsPoor oral health is due to bacteria. When you breathe this into your lungs, it can cause respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD. DiabetesDiabetics already know they're more susceptible to infections. This is why it shouldn't come as a surprise that infected gums can lead to periodontal disease, which makes diabetes more difficult to control. If your blood sugar levels go haywire, your diabetes will grow worse. CancerSmoking and tobacco products can cause oral and throat cancer. Other types of cancer are also linked to gum disease (e.g. kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, blood cancers). Kidney DiseasePeriodontal disease can lead to chronic kidney disease - a serious health issue that affects your kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. It can also be fatal when it leads to cardiovascular disease or if it results in kidney failure. Besides flossing, you also need to schedule routine dental checkups with our office. We'll then be able to remove any excess plaque on your teeth, which will also prevent you from developing these problems. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment. |
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