We all know that poor oral hygiene can result in tooth decay or gum disease. These oral afflictions are bad enough but what about other health issues caused by poor oral hygiene?
Loss of Jaw Bone
Missing teeth can cause issues with your jaw, particularly losing some of the jaws around an empty socket. Too many missing teeth can put your jaw in a dangerous position.
Cardiovascular Issues
There is a greater understanding these days of the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Poor oral hygiene can be a predictor of strokes and heart attacks. Researchers are still trying to work out the connection, but have come up with a few theories.
Some suspect the bacteria found in the mouth causes similar damage elsewhere after traveling into the cardiovascular system. Others postulate that the immune system may over-respond to the presence of this bacteria, attacking healthy vascular tissue.
Until further research is conducted, no one can say for sure if your heart disease risk increases with gum disease, but it seems more important than ever to treat gingivitis when it occurs.
The Dementia Connection
The research is still wavering, but there seems to be a clear correlation between oral hygiene and dementia. In 2020, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published a large study that connects the bacteria involved in gum disease to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
While there is no definitive answer about what this connection might mean, this only seems like a greater reason to stay on top of oral health.
Preeclampsia in Pregnancy
Much like the associations between heart disease and dementia, oral bacteria may cause serious complications in pregnancy such as preeclampsia, sudden onset high-blood pressure that is a threat to both mother and child. As many women develop bleeding gums or gum disease during their pregnancy, it is essential to get proper prenatal oral care.
Malnutrition
When chewing becomes painful or even impossible due to dental pain or tooth loss, malnutrition is not far behind. This often occurs when a patient can’t afford to get dental work done soon enough after a loss.
Social Isolation
You might not consider social isolation or loneliness a health issue, but it absolutely can be. Loneliness is a solid predictor of increased rates of early death. Poor oral hygiene can be part of a larger issue that leads to social isolation. Caring for your teeth, gums, and breath can make a huge difference in how your interactions with others proceed.
If you want to get a better handle on your oral health—and your overall health—getting started with routine care at Advanced Prosthodontics in Bethlehem, PA is a great beginning. Call to make an appointment today at (610) 865-4222.