The Dangers Of Poor Oral Care

As a dentist in Basildon we’re always harping on about the importance of maintaining a high level of oral hygiene. Most people know that neglecting their oral care can have adverse effects on their mouth, leading to such conditions as bad breath, cavities, gum disease, infection, and abscesses, but did you know that an healthy mouth can also affect your systematic health?

Failing to maintain your oral health can lead to serious complications that affect your overall health which is why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months to see if there are any signs of cavities or periodontal disease. It’s also important to be screened for oral cancer at least once a year. Treating these conditions in their early stages can prevent systematic complications. It’s also important to keep to regular dental visits so that preventative action can be taken to promote a healthy mouth and body. Let’s take a look at aspects of your health that can be negatively affected by poor oral health.

Heart

Numerous studies have revealed that it can be possible for plaque and bacteria to enter the bloodstream via the gums which stimulates the proteins naturally present which induce blood clotting. In a person who is prone to heart conditions, this clotting can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Diabetes

Diabetics are prone to periodontal disease and the link between gum disease and uncontrolled diabetes is well known. In fact it’s one if the reasons that dental implants in Basildon are often denied. The body treats gum disease as it would any other serious infection by raising the level of blood sugars in an attempt to fight the infection. Ultimately this can make it harder to control the diabetes than if your body is free from infection.

Lungs

It’s also thought that gum disease could raise the risk of acute bronchitis and pneumonia since bacteria from the gums could travel through the blood and into the lungs causing irritation to any existing lung conditions.

Brain

Recent research has also revealed a possible link between dental hygiene and the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, although with many factors related to both mental and dental health, this doesn’t mean that tooth loss will cause memory problems of any sort.

Fertility and Pregnancy

It’s also important that couples trying to conceive maintain a high level of oral hygiene. Studies have shown that women with poor oral health had a harder time getting pregnant. Research has also shown that severe gum disease can put stress on a woman’s body which can result in premature birth and a low birth weight.

So hopefully this blog post has shown you how important it is to commit to good oral hygiene if you want to remain as healthy as possible. If you haven’t visited your dentist in Basildon for some while, then it’s never too late to change bad habits. Why not make an appointment with Together Dental Basildon today by calling 01268 726789. We’ll soon get you back on track by restoring a healthy mouth and giving you advice on maintaining it.