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How Poor Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

People rarely see the impact oral health has on our overall health, so it is frequently overlooked. Oral health can have significant effects on our overall health and happiness. The consequences of poor oral health, on the other hand, are not always obvious.

Below are things that you should know about the health problems that poor oral health can cause and what you can do to prevent them. 

How Poor Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

What is Poor Oral Health?

According to the World Health Organization, poor oral health reflects a person’s overall health. Bad breath and stained teeth aren’t the only issues. An unhealthy lifestyle leads to unhealthy teeth and gums, resulting in poor oral health. 

You are more likely to be sick and infect others easily if you have poor oral health. You could have issues with your heart, lungs, or kidneys. You may also be more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Diseases Linked To Poor Dental Health

Endocarditis – is an infection that spreads through the bloodstream and affects the inner linings of your heart chambers. Bacteria and germs, which may have originated in your mouth, cause it.

Cardiovascular disease – Recent research suggests that infections caused by oral bacteria may be linked to clogged arteries.

Premature birth and birth complications – People with periodontitis are more likely to give birth prematurely or have low birth weight.

Pneumonia – Bacteria in your mouth can travel to your lungs and cause respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Pre-existing medical conditions can also have an impact on your oral health, such as:

Diabetes – People with diabetes have a hard time fighting infections which put their gums at risk. Severe gum disease is more evident in individuals who have diabetes.

Osteoporosis – In addition to weakening the body’s bones, osteoporosis can cause periodontal bone and tooth loss. The medication used to treat osteoporosis has a small risk of causing damage to the jawbones.

What Causes Poor Oral Health?

Poor oral health is a major issue, particularly when it comes to your overall health.

While there are many things you can do to maintain your oral health, it’s also crucial to understand what causes poor oral health. There are a variety of reasons why people’s oral health may deteriorate.

The majority of oral health issues are preventable and stem from how we care for our teeth, gums, and mouths. Cavities can be caused by not brushing your teeth on a regular basis, which can lead to serious oral health issues. Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque, so a high-sugar diet can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are also risk factors for various oral and general health issues. Fluoride added to local water supplies helps protect teeth from plaque, so if you don’t live in a fluoridated area or don’t drink tap water, you may be at a higher risk. If you don’t go to the dental clinic for regular checkups, you might not realize you have a dental health problem until it’s too late.

How To Sustain Good Oral Health?

A regular dental visit will help keep your mouth clean and healthy. Dental exams can detect poor nutrition, hygiene, and developmental issues. Also, it will help your dentist investigate any possible links between your health and dental health by providing your dentist Albany with complete medical history. Other practices to consider are:

  • Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste 2x a day.
  • Use dental floss every day to get rid of plaque.
  • To gain nutrients, eat a healthy diet.
  • You should avoid tobacco and cigarettes.

Conclusion

To keep good oral health, you must practice good oral hygiene and keep up with your regular dental appointments. Don’t dismiss a simple toothache or gum irritation; it could be an early sign of a serious oral health problem that would require immediate attention.

We can perform dental checkups and exams for our patients with confidence and assurance at Radiant Smiles. We can assure you that you’ll receive high-quality dental care at a reasonable cost. If you live in Yokine, WA and need a dentist, give us a call to learn more about our services and the insurance plans we accept. Schedule an appointment today!

 

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