It could easily be argued that your health is the most important thing you own. Although we cannot determine with certainty how well our health will perform over the years, we can do everything in our power to ensure we make the most of our bodies.
Oral health is one of those aspects of our general well-being that often gets overlooked. However, both our mouth and teeth are essential parts of our body, and, without them, we would not be able to speak, eat, or breathe with ease. Moreover, poor dental and oral hygiene can lead to much more worrying health conditions.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring five health-related issues that could be spurred upon by poor oral hygiene. Keep reading to find out…
Bad Breath
Nobody wants to be known as the person with bad breath. However, when you experience tooth decay or harmful bacteria growing in your mouth, you could also have bad breath. Make sure to watch out for this symptom in case it’s a sign of something more serious. If you do have tooth decay, make sure to seek out help from professionals such as Smile on Six dentistry.
Gum Disease
Also referred to as Gingivitis, gum disease is a bacterial infection inside the mouth caused by excess and build-up of plaque. You can experience red, swollen, and bloody gums, as well as discomfort and sensitivity whilst you chew. To reduce the likelihood of gum disease you should make sure you floss and brush twice daily.
Diabetes
Periodontal diseases can make diabetes more challenging to handle. For example, if you have gum disease, it can become much more difficult for you to regulate your blood sugar levels. This is because gum disease leads to higher blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you practice poor oral health, you may become more susceptible to developing diabetes.
Cancer
Dire oral health practices, such as smoking and using tobacco products in general, can also cause very serious health issues. Mouth, throat, and lung cancers are all linked to smoking and, more specifically, gum disease. There are no advantages to smoking, so it’s best to ditch this habit altogether.
Cardiovascular Disease
If you have inflamed gums, you could put yourself at risk for heart disease. Bacteria that cause this periodontal disease have the ability to infiltrate your bloodstream and make your arteries harden through the build-up of plaque. This can then lead to other issues, such as blood flow complications and even heart blockages. The pressure on your arteries can cause hypertension and increase the risk of strokes.
If you’d like to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place, then you should place an important emphasis on your dental hygiene. To practice great oral hygiene, you should limit your intake of sugary foods, floss daily, brush your teeth twice a day, avoid tobacco products, and eat well-balanced meals. Similarly, you should schedule yourself for regular check-ups at the dentist.
