According to statistics, in Australia, 1 in 25 people aged 15 and over have no natural teeth left. Considering we live in the 21st century, where we have all the means necessary to keep our oral health in check, the statistics are truly devastating. Aside from creating a big aesthetic problem, losing teeth is also detrimental to your overall health. The same goes for untreated teeth decay that allows the piled-up bacteria to travel through your bloodstream and wreak havoc to your heart, lungs, and reproductive system. Yes, the lack of oral hygiene can lead to cardiovascular problems and many other health issues.
Dental disease widespread
When dental problems are left untreated, gum disease is likely to arise. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, usually followed by bleeding, receding, tender, inflamed and dark gums and bad breath. It’s essential to treat gingivitis as early as possible and keep your mouth bacteria-free. Otherwise, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis i.e., advanced gum disease. The infection will destroy your mouth’s soft tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. That can result in complete teeth loss which can further have bigger side effects on your physical and mental health.
Heart disease
Cardiovascular disease has been closely connected to poor oral health. If you allow the bacteria that builds up in the untreated cavities to stick in your mouth, it can eventually reach the bloodstream and move to the heart arteries. As a result, the arteries will harden, and the blood from the heart won’t be able to flow easily through the body. Periodontal disease increases the risk of heart attack can even lead to endocarditis. The condition happens after the inner lining of the heart gets infected and inflamed. That’s why it’s imperative that we take good care of our oral health and maintain healthy gums. Prevention is the best remedy.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Aside from oral health affecting the rest of your body, the effects can be reversed too. Namely, underlying conditions and auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems with oral health. A chronic inflammatory disorder – rheumatoid arthritis – prevents the body from properly fighting off inflammation and causes pain in the joints. Therefore, many people living with this disorder are likely to suffer from gum disease. Considering gum disease causes inflammation, the negative effects of RA disease will be increased. On top of that, inflammation in the jaw area will worsen and possibly make the dental hygiene routine a nightmare. The less you brush and the less thoroughly you floss, you increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Problems with fertility and pregnancy
Infertility issues have also been brought into connection with poor oral health. Namely, if you have untreated cavities, you’re likely to have problems conceiving. Even if the conception happens, it is possible that the pregnancy will be problematic, and the risk of premature birth will increase drastically. That’s why we always recommend you look for an experienced orthodontist wide and find the best pick for yourself so you can have a healthy mouth and peace of mind. Keep in mind that during pregnancy, your hormones will be all over the place, which is exactly what can potentially worsen existing dental problems. Have regular checkups, and make sure your mouth is healthy for your and your baby’s sake.
Diabetes
High levels of blood sugar cause diabetes. If you’re one of the people living with this disease, you’ll be at a greater risk of developing gum disease. In return, gum disease can also be one of the reasons people suffer from diabetes. Namely, blood glucose control can be impacted by gum disease. When the body needs to fight diabetes, it has a lower ability to fight off inflammation and infections. Practising good oral hygiene will prevent the periodontal bacteria to appear and potentially increase insulin resistance. Make sure you have regular check-ups with your Sydney orthodontist and listen to their advice on taking good care of your oral hygiene.
Lung infections
Did you know that your lungs can also suffer if you don’t take good care of your oral health? The worse the periodontal disease infection, the greater the chances of contracting a lung infection such as pneumonia. If the bacteria which feeds off periodontal disease reaches your lungs, it will colonize in the respiratory tract and cause infections in the lungs. Additionally, your immune system will become weaker due to bacteria spread. That will make fighting any other infection and inflammation much more difficult. There’s also a great likelihood of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease if you suffer from gum diseases.
What you can do to improve your oral health
Keeping your body healthy should always be imperative. Did you know that there’s plenty you can do to prevent tooth decay from ever appearing? Keep your overall health in check by making sure your oral hygiene is top-notch. It’s essential that you take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Ideally, you’ll brush after every meal. Wait for at least 20 minutes before you do, and make sure you rinse your mouth with mouthwash as well. Staying away from sticky, crunchy, and sugary foods and enriching your diet with healthier choices such as cheese, fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods will be a good move. Drink plenty of tap water because it’s rich in fluoride that’s beneficial for teeth health. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly and ask for more tips from a pro. You can store your health and dental history in cloud orthodontic software. The dentist will estimate your conditions and recommend treatment as well as tooth decay prevention practices.
Taking care of your well-being is essential. Starting from your mouth will be the best because, as you can see, it’s connected to almost every other part of your body. Don’t let your negligence or laziness cost you your health, but brush and floss regularly to avoid severe teeth problems. They will inevitably lead to other health problems that you’ll regret not preventing with something simple as regular brushing.