Some people might think that dental health is confined to itself. There is a notion that the only problems that tooth decay bring are pain and less-than-pleasing aesthetics. This, however, is very far from the truth. In fact, there are many diseases in the body that are caused by dental health problems.
A dental professional, Karl Jobst DDS Grove OK, helps us understand the signs of poor dental health:
- Strong discoloration of teeth – when you notice that you have a strong discoloration of the teeth such as yellow, brown, or even black, there is a high chance that you may be suffering from poor dental hygiene.
- Regular pain in the oral area – pain indicates that there is something wrong. Pain in the oral area is often caused by tooth decay that has reached the nerve of the affected teeth. In this case, you need to see a dentist for help addressing the problem.
- Weak enamel – another problem-causing attribute of your teeth is weak enamel. This can be in the form of discoloration or the sensation that your teeth feel brittle. Your dentist can give some suggestions on how to strengthen your teeth’s enamel.
In this post, Dr. Karl Jobst DDS Grove OK helps us to understand how dental hygiene can affect your overall health.
How Dental Health Affects Your Whole Body
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Poor oral health can be a cause of cardiovascular disease
Tooth decay creates a breeding ground for bacteria that can potentially enter your bloodstream and cause a blockage in your arteries, as a result, it can give people problems such as a heart attack, or even stroke. Our teeth and gums are directly connected to the circulatory system, making it very susceptible if we don’t keep good dental habits intact. To prevent this, always have regular dental checkups to see if you have hidden cavities that may be seeping bacteria in.
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Poor dental hygiene is also a factor in dementia
Are you aware that oral health can even affect the brain? In fact, the bacteria that comes in when a person suffers from gingivitis can also be a cause of neurological problems such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. If you have elders living with you or you personally have a risk for these conditions, make sure to keep your oral health in top shape.
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Bacteria from tooth decay can also cause respiratory problems
Another issue that tooth decay may bring is respiratory disease. When bacteria enter the bloodstream through an infected tooth or gums, it may pass through the lungs which causes infection. Diseases such as Pneumonia are caused by infection, so be wary of tooth and gum problems. Do not set them aside thinking that they can be addressed later on.
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There is a risk of diabetes with poor oral health
If you already have diabetes, having poor dental health is a risk factor in spiking blood sugar levels. Diabetes symptoms may also worsen when dental problems are not taken care of. Pay attention to your oral hygiene if you have diabetes or are at-risk for the condition.
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Poor dental health results in a lowered immune system
The presence of tooth decay is a form of infection. When infection is always present in your body, it can be a gateway to many other infection-related diseases and can potentially lower your immune system.
Being aware of these health issues can help us take our dental health seriously. Understandably, dental hygiene isn’t just an isolated health issue–it can be an indicator of our overall wellness.
