Your oral health is just as important as your physical health. Your mouth can leave clues about your overall health, which is why paying close attention to your oral health is crucial. Many bacteria and other harmful things can be found in your mouth as it is the entry point to the rest of your body. If left unprotected or cared for, you could fall seriously ill.
Health Complications Linked To Oral Health
Brushing your teeth and flossing daily are imperative to thwarting health issues related to oral health. When you do these things on a consistent basis, you are keeping the bacteria in your mouth under control. If you do not do this, the bacteria can multiply quickly, leaving your body vulnerable to diseases. There are plenty of health complications that are a result of poor oral hygiene.
Endocarditis
This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. This happens when bacteria or other harmful microorganisms from other parts of your body, like your mouth, circulate through your bloodstream making them able to attach themselves to certain parts of your heart.
Cardiovascular Disease
Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke are connected to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause. If you are not brushing or flossing your teeth on a regular basis, this bacteria can develop in your mouth. Keep in mind that there is still research being conducted to fully understand the connection between cardiovascular disease and poor oral health.
Pregnancy And Birth Complications
Periodontitis, or inflammation of the tissue around the teeth usually causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth, is known to be linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia
This can be detrimental to your health. If you have bacteria in your mouth, it can be gathered in your lungs. This can cause pneumonia as well as other respiratory diseases.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your gums are more at risk than anything else. Those who have diabetes are prone to gum disease because their body’s resistance to infection is lowered. That is why most people who experience this disease often have severe gum disease as well. This is because people who have this disease also have a difficult time controlling their blood sugar levels.
HIV/AIDS
Along with diabetes, this disease also lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections. A lot of people that experience HIV/AIDS has many oral problems accompanied including mucosal lesions which are very uncomfortable.
Osteoporosis
This disease can also be linked to periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. If you are taking medication for this disease, some drugs actually carry a small risk of damage to your jawbones.
Reading about those health issues alone is enough motivation to keep your perfect smile is one of your life goals. Aside from improving avoiding these health concerns, there are some other added benefits to keeping a clean mouth.
Reduce The Risk Of Cancer And Dementia
Research has shown that from 65,000 post-menopausal women between the ages of 54 and 86 that have gum disease 14 percent were more likely to develop cancer. Of those women, one in three developed breast cancer over time, while there is also a highly-increased risk of lung cancer, oesophageal, gall bladder and skin cancers. Studies have also shown that those who have healthy gums are 70 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Increase Your Chances Of Having A Healthy Baby
If you are a pregnant woman, you especially need to make sure your oral health is in shape as pregnant women with healthy gums are about three times less likely to have a premature baby. They also have a reduced risk of having a low birth weight.
Improving Self-Confidence
Your self-confidence is important to your overall health. You want to keep your teeth clean and fresh smelling. You do not want chronic bad breath, which is usually a direct result of a buildup of plaque. Halitosis is also a common symptom of gum disease and tooth decay. Having bad breath is not only bad for your health, but it also takes a hit to your outward appearance. When you meet someone, you want to put your best foot forward. Often times that is your breath. You also want a shining, white smile without any stains. Though teeth staining happens naturally over time, you do not want to speed up the process by never brushing or flossing your teeth.
