Poor oral hygiene can cause systemic health issues due to the bacteria from your mouth traveling throughout your body via the blood vessels. These health issues include heart disease, diabetic complications, oral cancer, and more.
At Pike District Smiles, we know very well how crucial good oral health is to your overall health. In this post, your trusted dentist in Rockville shares some of the common health problems that result from poor oral health:
Possible Health Problems Poor Oral Hygiene Can Cause
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems. Cavities are the most common result, but poor oral hygiene can also lead to the following:
Kidney Disease
Poor oral hygiene can result in certain health problems, including kidney disease. Plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and gums and can cause inflammation and infection. This inflammation can then spread to other body parts, including the kidneys.
In people with kidney disease, the inflammation caused by poor oral hygiene can lead to a decline in kidney function. In many cases, it may even lead to kidney failure.
Cardiovascular Disease
Did you know that having poor oral hygiene can result in cardiovascular disease? It’s true – and it’s just one of the many possible health problems caused by neglecting your teeth and gums.
When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth. This can eventually lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Studies have shown that those with periodontitis are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. The inflammation caused by periodontitis is thought to contribute to developing these conditions.
Respiratory Infections
How does poor oral hygiene lead to respiratory infections? Well, it has to do with bacteria.
When you don’t properly brush and floss, bacteria can build up in your mouth. This bacteria can then be inhaled into your lungs, where it can cause an infection.
And, if you already have a respiratory infection, poor oral hygiene can make it worse. That’s due to the bacteria in your mouth that can make the infection harder to treat.
Premature Birth
Did you also know that poor oral hygiene can cause premature birth?
That’s right – if you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, it could result in your baby being born too early.
Some studies have shown that women with poor oral health are more likely to give birth prematurely than those with good oral health.
Premature birth happens when a child is born before the 37th week of gestation.
Babies who are born prematurely often have a lower birth weight and are more likely to have health problems than babies who are born full-term.
Cancer
While poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of different health problems, one of the most serious is cancer. Cancer of the esophagus, mouth, and throat are all potential risks for people with poor oral hygiene.
The mouth is filled with bacteria, and when these bacteria are allowed to build up on the teeth and gums, they can lead to inflammation and infection. This can lead to cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Conclusion
Poor oral hygiene can be the culprit behind several health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. It is crucial to properly take care of your teeth and gums to prevent these problems. Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth correctly, visiting your dentist in Rockville at least twice a year is a good idea. This way, your dentist can thoroughly assess your oral health and ensure everything is well.
When you need the services of a seasoned dentist in Rockville, MD, to help you maintain your oral health, Pike District Smiles is here for you. We offer pediatric dentistry, checkups, root canals, implants, Invisalign, and other dental services. Get in touch with us to set an appointment!
