Poor Oral Health: 7 Serious Health Problems Associated With Your Teeth
In situations where your dental health is compromised, other body areas can also experience it because the bacteria from the mouth travel through the body and enter your system, causing different health issues. These issues can be severe and life-concerning, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene programs. These issues caused by bad oral hygiene can result in the following:
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- Heart Disease
Heart diseases are already alarming, and gum disease is often associated with heart concerns. The bacteria in your gums can infiltrate the bloodstream and will likely reach the heart, highering the probability of cardiovascular problems. When visiting your dentist or doctor, you must inform them if you have any family history of heart disease so that they can monitor the health of your teeth and gums, which can show early detection and appropriate treatment.
- Diabetes
Having diabetes can increase your vulnerability to infections, including gum disease. Plaque buildup on your teeth and gums that goes untreated can progress into a more serious condition called periodontitis.
Suppose you have a family history of diabetes. In that case, informing your family dentist in Brampton is important because they can successfully recognize gum disease symptoms like swollen gums, loose teeth, bad breath, bleeding, and receding.
- Osteoporosis
Inevitably, our bones will become weaker as we continue to age. This condition makes our bones more prone to breaking, so older individuals often experience fractures after a slip or fall. Interestingly, dentists can detect signs of osteoporosis by examining your smile. They can identify loose teeth and receding gums caused by the tissue loss associated with this condition.
- Oral Cancer
As people become older, especially after they reach the age of 45 and beyond, their chances of acquiring oral cancer significantly increase. Screenings for oral cancer have been developed due to technological breakthroughs, which help in the disease’s early identification. To guarantee an accurate diagnosis, you must provide your Etobicoke emergency dentist with a comprehensive medical history, especially if you have a history of tobacco or alcohol abuse. Your dentist will do an oral cancer screening and a detailed inspection of the interior of your mouth for any unusual lumps or patches during your regular dental checkup.
- Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be difficult for individuals to confront, leading them to conceal their symptoms from loved ones and healthcare professionals. However, dentists have a unique opportunity to identify potential signs of an eating disorder during routine dental appointments. One such indicator is tooth enamel erosion along the inner surfaces of the front teeth. Individuals with eating disorders may also experience tooth sensitivity, gum bleeding, and dry mouth.
- Dementia
Early signs of dementia often include poor oral hygiene, as individuals may forget whether they have brushed their teeth. In recent research, there are findings that insufficient dental care can increase the risks of dementia. It shows that bad oral hygiene and gum disease can result in cognitive impairments, especially in adults. These findings emphasized how it is important to maintain good oral health as a preventive measure against dementia.
- Kidney Disease
Bad breath and a dry mouth are two signs of kidney problems, which can affect your entire body. It is advised to address these symptoms with your doctor or dentist if they exist so that an early diagnosis or course of treatment may be determined.
Proper dental hygiene and routine oral care can considerably reduce and avoid all health issues mentioned. Always remember that oral health extends beyond your teeth and gums since it may impact your entire body. Maintaining good oral health, strong teeth, and healthy gums equates to caring for your overall well-being.