Medical Conditions Caused By Bad Oral Health

Our teeth can show much more about us than the quality of our oral hygiene routine, and it may surprise you to know that there are many health problems your dentist can diagnose. Our bodies are finely tuned; significant health problems can manifest in our mouths, and our oral health can have an impact on our overall health.

Below are some of the health problems caused by inadequate oral hygiene routines which may surprise you.

Heart Disease

It may surprise you to know that your dentist can help diagnose when you have heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease. If you suffer from periodontal disease or another inflammation of the gums, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and be taken around your body. When this happens, it can cause Atherosclerosis, which is where a plaque-like substance builds up on the arteries’ interior walls.

The substance build-up reduces blood flow and increasing the chances of a heart attack or stroke. You can also have the inner wall of your heart become inflamed through this condition. A Mudgeeraba dentist or one in your local area can help you diagnose this life-threatening condition. If you’re located elsewhere, you can search on Google for reputable dentists near your area.

Respiratory Infections

Research shows that people suffering from gum disease can contract respiratory infections such as pneumonia. When you have gum disease, you can continuously breathe in airborne particles of bacteria and take these into the lungs, which is how your infection can spread. The longer you leave the condition, the worse it can get, so you will want to ensure that you seek assistance from your dentist at the earliest signs of gum disease.

Dementia

Scientists have also researched the link between gingivitis and dementia, and studies have shown that if left untreated, it can help conditions such as Alzheimer’s forming. The bacteria can enter your bloodstream or be taken into the brain through the nerve channels. With the significant impact that Alzheimer’s can have on a person’s life, you must address conditions such as gingivitis immediately and seek assistance from your local dentist.

Diabetes

Your dentist can also help diagnose you with diabetes, as the first warning signs will often present in our oral health. When you suffer from inflamed gums or periodontal disease, you can find it much more difficult to control your blood sugar levels. For those who already have diabetes, suffering from periodontal disease can make it harder to control your diabetes, so you must adopt an excellent oral hygiene routine.

Harmful To Babies

When a woman is pregnant and carrying an unborn child, if she suffers from gingivitis conditions, this can affect the health of the unborn baby. The changing hormone levels can contribute to this condition from developing, and the use of contraception can also increase the chances of this due to the hormones used in it.

These are some of the more significant health conditions caused by inadequate oral hygiene or that can show themselves in our mouths, and there are plenty more besides these. For more information on this subject, there are plenty of useful information you can find online. If you are concerned about your oral health and the implications it can have, make an appointment with your local dentist today.