According to statistics from the American Dental Association, almost half of all adults have gum problems. These include gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. What’s worse is that many of these are linked to other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. This means that it’s really important for you to take care of your teeth properly to avoid any possible complications. Read more about this content to learn.
Here are just some of the dangers associated with not taking good care of your oral health:
1) Gingivitis
Everyone knows that they need to brush their teeth regularly if they want to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. But what most people don’t know is how easy it is for gingivitis to creep in. Gingivitis is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and it can start with a simple inflammation of the gums. Left untreated, it can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums and even tooth loss.
2) Periodontal Disease
If you don’t take care of your gingivitis properly but still ignore it after some time, it will develop into periodontal disease. This is an advanced form of gum disease that affects all parts of the mouth, including the teeth below the gums. The most common symptom is receding gums or loose teeth and if this happens, you should go see a dentist immediately as there are effective treatments available to stop the progression of the condition.
3) Oral Cancer
According to the American Dental Association, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer have been diagnosed in the US every year. To make matters worse, a lot of people who develop this serious problem don’t notice its symptoms until it’s too late for treatment. It usually starts with white or red patches in the mouth and can even go on to affect your airways and neck.
So if you want to stay healthy and safe from such diseases, take good care of your teeth regularly by brushing them at least twice a day and flossing once or twice a week. Also, visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups so that any problems can be caught early and treated accordingly.
4) Heart Disease
Did you know that there’s a link between your oral health and heart disease? Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are more likely to develop heart problems than those who don’t have any gum problems. This is because the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, where they can cause serious infections. So if you want to keep your heart healthy, make sure to take good care of your teeth!
5) Diabetes
Another serious health condition that’s been linked to poor oral health is diabetes. People with diabetes are more prone to developing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. This is because diabetes decreases the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to bacteria. So take good care of your teeth and gums if you have diabetes to prevent infections and complications.
6) Respiratory Problems
Your oral health can also affect your respiratory system. If you have gum disease, the bacteria from your mouth can enter your lungs and cause serious infections like pneumonia. So if you want to stay healthy and avoid such respiratory problems, make sure to take good care of your teeth and gums!
7) Kidney Problems
Poor oral health has also been linked to kidney problems. This is because the bacteria from your mouth can travel through your bloodstream and reach your kidneys, where they can cause infections. So if you want to keep your kidneys healthy, make sure to take good care of your teeth!
8) Pregnancy Complications
If you’re pregnant, it’s even more important to take good care of your oral health. This is because gum disease has been linked to premature births and low birth weights. So if you want to have a healthy pregnancy, make sure to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for checkups.
9) Alzheimer’s Disease
A recent study has shown that there’s a link between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the bacteria from your mouth can enter your brain through your bloodstream and cause inflammation. This can lead to the development of plaques and tangles, which are the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. So if you want to keep your mind healthy, make sure to take good care of your teeth!
10) Dementia
Poor oral health has also been linked to the development of dementia. This is because there’s evidence that the bacteria from your mouth can eat away at brain tissue and cause damage to the neurons responsible for memory. So if you want to keep your mind sharp, make sure to take good care of your teeth!
Hopefully, this article on how poor oral health affects other systems in the body helps you understand why it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums at all times. Remember, a healthy mouth is a key to staying healthy overall, so make sure to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for checkups at least twice a year!