You know it’s essential to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, and you like when your breath is fresh and your teeth are white. However, you may never have considered the direct link between keeping your mouth healthy and maintaining your overall well-being.
It may surprise you that your oral health is linked to your body’s health, and if you don’t care for your mouth, you are more susceptible to several serious health issues.
Poor Oral Hygiene Concerns
Let’s first look at what oral health concerns can occur if you don’t practice good dental hygiene. If you don’t take good care of your mouth, you could develop the following issues:
- Tooth decay – Bacteria left on your teeth can cause cavities.
- Gingivitis – When bacteria is left in your mouth for too long, it can infect your gums and lead to this early stage of gum disease.
- Periodontal disease – If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into this more severe stage of gum disease, leading to eventual bone loss around your teeth.
The Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene on Overall Health
Because of the direct link between your mouth and the rest of your body, you could potentially develop the following health concerns as a result of poor oral hygiene:
- Cardiovascular disease – A number of health disorders fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
- Endocarditis – If you develop heart disease, you are more likely to develop this inflammation of your heart valve lining.
- Pregnancy and birth complications – Poor oral health can be associated with gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
- Pneumonia – Tooth decay has been linked to the development of pneumonia.
Although poor oral hygiene doesn’t directly cause any of the abovementioned health issues, it does contribute to the chances of developing them.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Phoenix, AZ?
If you are considering a dentist in Phoenix, Arcadia Dentistry is ready to take your call. With the goal of helping you achieve and maintain your oral health, we want to be your dental office. Please get in touch with us at (602) 957-2170 for more information or to schedule an appointment.