Diseases Caused by Bad Oral Health

Almost 3.5 billion people across the globe suffer various oral diseases. There are different dental diseases prevalent today. Among them are dental cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis, teeth misalignment, and oral cancer. Dental problems affect the patients in different ways. Damaged teeth or gums affect one's smile, resulting in low self-esteem and self-confidence. Make an appointment with a good dental expert immediately you experience teeth problems.



Choose a licensed, reputable, affordable, and accredited dental health specialist. Good dentists have adequate knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat the mentioned oral infections. A professional in dental health also examines other health conditions that have possibly resulted from dental problems.

There is a close relationship between one's oral health and overall wellness. In short, teeth and gum problems increase the risks of other chronic health conditions. The following is an overview of how oral health can impact your overall health and wellness.

Diabetes

There is a synergistic relationship between gum problems and diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body fails to regulate blood sugar levels. Severe gum diseases increase the risks of blood sugar levels rising in the body. As a result, diabetes worsens, threatening the patient's life. 

A significant percentage of people with diabetes also suffer periodontitis and gingivitis. One of the side effects of diabetes is thick blood vessels. As a result, the blood and nutrients flow to the gums gets hampered, increasing the risks of bad oral health. Diabetes also causes gum inflammations and bleeding, subjecting the patients to extreme pain. Diabetic people should visit dentists on a regular basis.

By treating gum infections, the control of blood sugars improves, preventing more complications. Dentists also advise diabetic patients on the best oral care tips to prevent the disease from worsening.

Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia is a neurological disease that affects one's cognition. Severe gum diseases like periodontitis increase the risks of Alzheimer's disease. Bacteria caused by gum infections enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain. As a result, an inflammatory response gets triggered in the brain. Brain inflammation affects the patient's memory and seriously impairs their cognition. Dental treatments are very crucial for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of periodontal infections gets rid of bacteria that would spread into the nerves and cause dementia. Proper teeth cleaning and flossing are necessary to prevent an increase in oral bacteria.

Heart Problems

Cardiovascular complications and poor oral health are connected. Gum disease bacteria also travel to the blood vessels in the heart. As a result, the vessels become inflamed and thickened, increasing more heart problems like stroke. Severe gingivitis and periodontal diseases increase the risks of blood clots in the heart and cardiac arrests. Thick and hardened arteries cause atherosclerosis, a condition that hampers blood flow in the heart. Stroke results when excess mouth bacteria get into the heart and clog the carotid artery.

Respiratory Complications

Oral bacteria cause inflammations in the lungs. The bacteria damage the lung lining with time. As a result, the air amount passed to and from the lungs gets limited. Other related complications include pneumonia and bronchitis, which, when untreated, can cause loss of life. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to protect the teeth, gums, and lungs.

Proper oral care will protect your health from possible chronic conditions. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth regularly and avoid sugary foods. Visiting a professional dentist will protect your teeth and gums from various related problems. A good dentist will address your problem before it worsens and causes other health complications.

You should have the right guide to find the most qualified dental health expert. At Calm Waters Dentistry, we provide quality general and cosmetic dental care like cleanings and dental implants. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.