Going to the dentist and taking good care of your teeth isn’t just about oral health. Your gums and oral health play a critical role in maintaining good general health, with many dental problems being an early warning sign for other conditions. 

Gut Health

Poor oral health can cause inflammation and irritation of the gums. This leads to a reduction in the body's natural ability to fight off bacteria, which causes an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your gut.

Oral Infections

Poor oral health can also lead to an increase in the production of toxins by bacteria. These toxins are absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system - leading to poor gut health as well as other conditions, including diabetes and obesity. To curb this, practice proper dental care.

Premature Births

Some research has shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease have a greater chance of going into labor and delivering their baby prematurely.

Cardiovascular Disease

Research has shown that people with periodontal disease have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure or coronary heart disease.

Endocarditis

Poor dental health can lead to an increase in the population of harmful bacteria on your teeth, which then transfer from your mouth into and around the heart valves. This may cause endocarditis or infective endocarditis, which affects the lining inside the heart chambers.

Mouth Cancer

One of the most common cancers in the world is mouth cancer. Poor dental health can lead to a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, which links with an increased risk of developing this cancer type.

Bone Loss

If you are experiencing tooth decay and the bone supporting that area starts to break down, teeth from other parts of your mouth can become loose and move into the affected area. This is known as bone loss, resulting from many factors, including chronic illness or malnutrition, but poor dental health links to this type of issue.

Thyroid Health

The thyroids are a gland in your neck that produce hormones to regulate the body's metabolism. In some cases, inflammation caused by poor oral hygiene can cause an overproduction of thyroid hormone. This disrupts the balance between other hormones and leads to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Sinus Infections

Infections originating from a toothache can often spread through the jaw and cause sinus inflammation. This leads to a build-up of mucous in the nose and throat, leading to respiratory problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

High Blood Pressure

Toxins absorbed by your bloodstream from an oral infection increase high blood pressure levels. Poor dental health may also connect with an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.

Poor dental health can harm your whole body - from head to toe! By practicing proper oral hygiene, you are not only looking after your teeth and gums but also reducing the risk for other conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer. Keep up with regular checkups at home with a dental irrigator and toothbrush so that no one has to suffer the consequences of an oral infection.