In order to avoid that unpleasant toothless grin, we need to take care of our oral hygiene. We might find simple routines like brushing or flossing boring, but they are more important than most people imagine! Did you know that dental health affects the whole body as well? Let’s learn more on the matter!
Gum disease can lead to cardiovascular disease
Recently, researchers have been examining the link between oral health and heart disease, and they have come across some peculiar results. It looks like gum disease, or the inflammation of gums can be connected to cardiovascular disease. Several studies have shown that gum disease can also cause a broad set of conditions, and they include heart attack and stroke.
Gum disease can contribute to diabetes
People who deal with diabetes often have troubles with gum disease, but according to research, gum disease can also worsen diabetes, because it affects blood glucose control. Periodontal disease is an infection, and the bacteria can produce toxins that can affect the carbohydrate metabolism in individual cells.
Studies also show that pregnant women who have progressive gum disease are very likely to develop gestational diabetes. This can have serious consequences, which can be delivering pre-term or having a low-birth-weight baby. Needless to say, regular checkups with a dentist are crucial, so to find someone who is not far from where you live, you can google the best dentist near me, since pregnant women should find someone who is nearby. It can mean a lot to them to be able to save time and effort on visiting a dentist who is close by.
Periodontal disease can lead to pneumonia
Lung infections are a nightmare, and you should know that periodontal disease can contribute to them. This happens because there are more bacteria breeding in your mouth, so you inhale germs that lead to pneumonia. It’s even worse for those dealing with COPD.
Bruxism can aggravate the joints in the lower jaw
If you have heard of bruxism, you know that this is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. You may do it unconsciously when you’re awake or during sleep. If it’s mild, there’s no need to worry. However, you have a problem if it’s severe and frequent. Grinding teeth can aggravate the joints in our lower jaw (the temporomandibular joints). This leads to pain or tightness in the joint area, and it might even cause earaches and headaches.
Oral bacteria and knee osteoarthritis
There is a study conducted in 2012 that suggests that oral bacteria contribute to some cases of knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While testing the synovial fluid found in the joints of 36 people with knee arthritis, the researchers noticed that five of the patients had gum bacteria in their fluid. The bacteria found in the joint fluid in two of the patients were a genetic match to bacteria found in the mouth.
Being negligent about your oral hygiene can lead to even worse things than having bad breath and not having a million dollars smile. As you can see, poor oral health can also mean some really severe conditions. So, in order to avoid something really serious like a heart attack, pneumonia or diabetes, you need to be consistent in keeping your teeth and everything related to the mouth healthy. It is important to brush teeth and floss on a regular basis, but it is also crucial to visit your dentist and hygienist constantly.
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