Non-Dental Medical Problems Caused by Improper Dental Hygiene

Caring for your teeth is about much more than simply the health of your mouth. Poor dental hygiene can actually have a negative impact on your entire body. If your gums bleed, your teeth ache, or you suffer from chronic bad breath, you may have a dental health problem or even multiple ones.

Health Problems Caused by Bad Oral Hygiene

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

• Heart Disease – If gum tissues become inflamed because of bacteria, these same bacteria can get into your bloodstream, causing plaque to build up in your arteries and harden. This can lead to heart blockages, blood flow problems, and the increased risk of suffering from a heart attack.
• Pregnancy Complications – Because of the hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, oral infections can more easily be developed. 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 gum disease in the mother.
• 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.
• 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 blood cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• 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.

Preventing Non-Dental Medical Problems

The best way to prevent serious health problems caused by bad dental hygiene 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 dental cleaning and a checkup.

For information regarding endodontic care or root canal therapy, or to make an appointment here at Syrpes & Pangborn, please contact our Centennial, Colorado endodontics office today. We also see patients from the surrounding areas including Castlewood, Southglenn, Dove Valley, Denver Tech Center, Foxfield, Lone Tree, Cherry Creek, and Greenwood Village, Colorado.