California is one of the states in US with worst dental health. One-third of children have untreated tooth decay and nearly 50% of pregnant women experience dental health problems, and the residents of Clovis are equally affected. While most people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental issues, did you know it also affects your overall well-being? 

Starting with dental problems and diseases like tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease, the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth can further cause various diseases and serious health conditions that can even put our existence in danger. In this article, we’ll explore why oral health is important and how poor oral health affects your overall well-being.

Why is Oral Health So Important?

Your mouth is an extension of your overall physical state. While you may perceive your oral cavity is distinct from the rest of your body, the truth is that your mouth is a gateway to your digestive tract and, ultimately, to the bloodstream. 

The oral-facial system responsible for the mouth’s function is also home to a vast number of bacteria, both good and bad. When we neglect our oral health, the same bacteria that breaks down food to release vital nutrients multiplies to an overwhelming number. These harmful bacteria can then enter our bloodstream and travel to other parts of our body, causing various health problems. 

That’s why it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. More importantly, you should get regular dental checkups and receive orthodontic treatments promptly to prevent further damage if you face any dental problems. And if you live in Clovis, you’re in luck! You can get emergency orthodontic treatment in Clovis even without a referral or prior appointment in case you have a dental emergency. Moreover, orthodontic clinics in Clovis provide free online consultation and quality care at affordable prices, which means keeping dental problems at bay is now just a click away.

Effects of Poor Oral Health on Your Overall Well-Being

Poor oral health can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being. Here are some common health conditions and diseases that are directly linked with poor oral health:

Periodontitis or Gum Disease

When it comes to oral health and overall physical well-being, periodontitis is considered a central concern with widespread implications. Research shows that periodontitis is the root cause of many serious or lifelong diseases in vital human organs like the heart, lungs, and brain, and it even affects our cognitive function, hormonal balance, and metabolic system. 

Periodontitis itself is a dental disease primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. When you neglect oral health, the bacteria in the mouth infect the soft tissue around the teeth. Consequently, the stability of your teeth becomes compromised, potentially leading to tooth loosening and eventual loss. Periodontitis causes painful inflammation, bad breath, and frequent bleeding in the gums. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist frequently are fundamental yet easy ways to prevent gum diseases. If left untreated, periodontitis can sometimes mutate and cause oral cancer. If you have puffy, dark red gums and difficulty chewing food, or if you notice receding gums, visit your dentist for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Cardiovascular Complications

As we mentioned earlier, periodontitis can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. When a person develops chronic gum disease, the inflammation inside a gum releases inflammatory markers into the bloodstream. These inflammatory markers can cause atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in arteries and blood vessels. Plaque can narrow and block arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, angina pains, and heart attacks. A patient can also suffer from a stroke if a blood vessel connected to the brain is clogged by plaque.

Endocarditis

Apart from various cardiovascular complications, poor oral health can cause a serious infection called Endocarditis. It causes inflammation in the inner lining or heart valves. It might be unexpected, but endocarditis develops when the oral bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and then attach themselves to the inner linings of the heart chambers and valves. 

Although endocarditis is a rare infection, it can develop quickly, progress rapidly, and can have potentially life-threatening outcomes if left untreated. It can damage heart valves and cause deformities, scarring, and dysfunction. If a heart valve is damaged, it can disrupt blood flow and lead to regurgitation (leakage of blood backward through the valve) or stenosis (narrowing of the valve). Moreover, the infected areas on the heart valves may form blood clots that travel to other parts of the body and cause blockages. 

Respiratory Conditions

When your mouth experiences an overgrowth of bacteria due to poor oral health, the bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs. This can lead to various respiratory diseases and infections, including pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis. People with compromised immunity and reduced lung function are particularly vulnerable to lung infections. 

Poor oral health can exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions and lung issues, resulting in reduced oxygen intake and a serious threat to your physical health. 

Complications in Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy naturally makes your immune system slightly weaker to secure your growing baby against an immune system response. This increases your chance of catching some (but not all) infections, and periodontitis is one of them. Studies reveal that women with gum diseases are at a higher risk of developing pregnancy complications such as lower birth weight, premature birth, and preeclampsia. The bacteria in an inflamed gum can travel to your uterine system through the bloodstream, which triggers an immune response, potentially affecting your developing fetus. Moreover, when the inflammation affects blood vessels, it hampers their ability to pump blood to the placenta, ultimately affecting fetal growth. 

Type-2 Diabetes and Poor Diabetes Management

Type-2 diabetes and oral health share a strong correlation. Diabetes weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including gum diseases. Since inflammation can impair insulin sensitivity, gum disease can make it difficult for patients with type-2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels. 

Conversely, poorly controlled diabetes and elevated sugar levels reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections, resulting in gum disease development or rapid progress. Poor oral health itself is a possible symptom of type-2 diabetes. This creates a vicious cycle of deteriorating oral health, leading to poor diabetes management and vice versa. 

Final Thoughts

Oral health and overall well-being are closely associated with each other. While the effects of poor oral health on your body may be frightening, preventing these diseases is as simple as maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking prompt treatment. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after each meal. Avoid eating sugary foods as they directly affect the oral cavity. Above all, visit your dentist at least once every six months and get a thorough dental checkup. With these proactive measures, you can maintain good oral health and mitigate the risk of developing serious health conditions in the long run.