Non-Dental Health Problems Caused by Bad Oral Health

Taking care of your teeth is about a lot more than just the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Poor oral health can actually have negative consequences for your whole body. If your teeth ache, your gums bleed, or you suffer from chronic bad breath, you may be suffering from oral health problems.

Health Problems Caused by Bad Oral Health

Below are a few of the most common and serious health problems caused by bad oral health:

• Heart Disease – If the gum tissue becomes inflamed because of the bacteria that causes gum disease, these same bacteria can get into the bloodstream, causing plaque to build up in the arteries and harden. This can lead to heart blockages, blood flow problems, and the increased risk of heart attack.
• Alzheimer’s – Substances related to gum infection and periodontitis have been found to kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. This means that gingivitis and gum disease can lead to dementia and even Alzheimer’s once the bacteria in the mouth spread to the nerve channels.
• Diabetes – People who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop an infection in the gum tissue which will lead to periodontal disease. In turn, periodontal disease will make diabetes more difficult to control. Additionally, gum disease can cause higher-than-usual blood sugar levels, so people with poor oral health habits are more susceptible to diabetes.
• Cancer – Obviously bad oral health habits like smoking or chewing tobacco can cause throat and oral cancers. But other types of cancer have also been linked to gum disease, including kidney cancer, blood cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• Pregnancy Complications – Because of the hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, oral infections can be developed more easily. Any infection in the mother can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Additionally, premature birth and low birth weights in infants have both been linked to gingivitis or gum disease in the mother.

Prevention

The best way to prevent serious health problems caused by bad oral health is to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene habits every day. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your general dentist every six months for a cleaning and a checkup.

For information regarding endodontic care or root canal therapy, or to make an appointment here at Endodontic Specialists, please contact one of our Colorado locations; Colorado Springs North, and Pueblo, Colorado.