When we are looking to optimize our health with the right practices, we may not necessarily give as much attention to our oral health as we should. While we all know the importance of flossing and brushing our teeth, the reality is that if we do not look after our teeth properly, it could set us up for more problems down the line. If we have poor oral health, we will experience toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath, but if we neglect our oral health, we could end up with one or more of the following conditions:

Cardiovascular Disease:

If the gums are inflamed, the risk of bacteria getting into the bloodstream increases. There are many reasons that your teeth could allow bacteria into the bloodstream, even if you brush them properly. Misaligned teeth may hide a number of germs that you are not able to access. Furthermore, wisdom teeth that hide underneath the gum could also harbor bacteria. In order to prevent any form of the disease, cardiovascular or gum, proper oral hygiene is crucial. A winning combination of regular trips to the dentist, while also aligning your teeth with products like Invisalign or braces make sure that any hidden debris that is hard to access is greatly minimized.

Respiratory Infections:

Surprisingly, poor oral health can result in issues in the respiratory system. This is because any bacteria that stays in the mouth from infected teeth or swollen gums could be breathed into the lungs or travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. Bacteria in the lungs could cause breathing issues such as respiratory infections, COPD, and bronchitis.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney disease can cause havoc with blood pressure and affect the bones and heart. People with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can have weaker immune systems, which give them a higher likelihood of getting infections. People can potentially experience kidney disease if they suffer from poor oral health.

Diabetes:

While diabetics are more susceptible to infections, such as infected gums, it can work the other way. Periodontal disease can make diabetes more difficult to keep under control. People with diabetes have fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can be a direct cause of gum disease. Gum disease can cause higher than normal blood sugar levels, therefore, a person with poor oral health is at a higher risk of getting diabetes. However, this can be mitigated by having a healthy diet.

There’s a lot of risks associated with poor oral hygiene, including rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. The best way to prevent any serious issues resulting from bad oral health is to practice good oral hygiene. It is all about simple things, including brushing the teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, avoiding tobacco products, as well as flossing. Healthy gums are, in many ways, a window to your general health. While it’s important to maintain good health practices, we also need to be aware of the risks of poor oral hygiene too.

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