4 Health Problems Caused Due To Bad Oral Health
3 Min Read
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Your mouth is a window to your overall health. Yes, oral health is much more than your teeth, gums and tongue. Your mouth is one of the primary entries of the body where bacteria can easily get in. This bacteria can also get into your bloodstream, cause inflammation and infection wherever it spreads. This can lead to other health issues. Here are some of the serious health problems caused by bad oral health.
Heart diseases
Poor oral hygiene can lead to the risk of having heart diseases. Bacteria present in the gums (periodontal disease/periodontitis) can get into the arteries and lead to the buildup of plaque which eventually hardens over time. The hardening of plaque can lead to atherosclerosis– a serious condition that leads to blood flow problems, hypertension and heart blockages. Therefore, taking care of your gums is important for your heart health.
Diabetes
Diabetic people are more susceptible to periodontal disease. This gum problem can make it difficult for them to control their blood sugar levels causing imbalance and lead to worsening of symptoms. Therefore, it is important for such people to take care of their oral health and consult a dentist regularly.
Pregnancy complications
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a woman to develop oral infections much more easily. Oral health issues like periodontitis and gingivitis (gum inflammation) have been known to lead to premature birth and low-weight births. Therefore, bad oral health puts both mother and baby at risk of experiencing health issues.
Erectile dysfunction
Bad oral health can also lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Chronic periodontal disease is a condition wherein gums pull away from teeth which creates pockets that allows the bacteria to spread to the surrounding areas. The same bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause blood vessels to be inflamed. This inflammation can block the blood flow to the genitals, making erections an extremely difficult task.
Other conditions such as respiratory infections, dementia, infertility, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney diseases can also happen due to bad oral health.
Consult a dentist as soon as possible, if you notice the following symptoms
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums pulled away from teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Teeth pain
- Bad breath
- Loose or separating teeth
How to maintain good oral hygiene
- Brush your teeth properly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
- Floss once a day
- Eat a healthy diet
- Limit sugary foods
- Avoid tobacco use
- Go for regular check-ups
- Choose the right dental products as suggested by your dentist
Bottom line
In a nutshell, a healthy mouth equates to a healthy body. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can help you live longer. It is recommended that you consult an oral care expert once every 6 months to check if you are facing dental problems. This will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. To consult with your city’s top dentist online, download the MFine app.
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