Body-Mouth Connection: How bad oral hygiene can harm your overall health

Heart disease

The bacteria from gum disease can spread through the body into the arteries and cause heart disease. Gum disease can also increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke because the bacteria can clog the arteries, as well as blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain. If your gums are painful or swollen, you may have gum disease and it’s imperative that you see your dentist to prevent more serious problems arising.

Diabetic complications

There is a strong link between diabetic complications and periodontist disease. Diabetic sufferers are more susceptible to gum disease and inflammation of the gum tissues, because it’s harder for these patients to control their blood sugar. So it’s very important that those who have diabetes to take extra care of their dental hygiene as diabetes symptoms can worsen.

Respiratory problems

Ask yourself what could happen from breathing in bacteria from your mouth over a long period of time. It can infect your lungs and cause respiratory problems, including pneumonia. Research has shown there is a clear link between gum disease and your lungs.

Dementia

Poor oral health can increase the risk of memory loss and early stage Alzheimer’s. The bacteria from infections in the gum, can enter your nerve channels and cause inflammations on the brain. Your oral health and overall health are strongly connected.

Teeth are extremely important to the proper functioning of the rest of the body. What happens in your mouth, impacts the rest of you. Protect yourself by regularly brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist.

If you have any concerns about your teeth, please contact Pure Smiles Fulham.

For further information on the links between gum health and overall health please visit https://www.dentalhealth.org/gum-disease