Poor oral health can lead to all kinds of problems.
Poor oral health affects your entire body. Your East Greenbush Dentist, Dr. J Craig Alexander, can’t stress the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Brushing twice and flossing once a day will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
How is Oral Health Connected to Overall Health?
Poor oral hygiene habits mean more bacteria and plaque. If you don’t brush, that sticky film on your teeth with converts to tartar, which can only be removed by your East Greenbush Dentist. Brushing removes food particles and bacteria that if allowed to continue, will get in-between your teeth and gums.
Those pockets that form from poor oral hygiene allow food particles and bacteria to seep into your bloodstream. Research shows that the plaque attaches itself to your blood vessels restricting the flow of blood to your heart.
What Diseases Can Poor Oral Hygiene Lead To?
- Endocarditis
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Problems with Pregnancy and Birth
Endocarditis affects the lining of your heart and occurs when germs from other parts of your body spread to the endocardium. Because mouth bacteria are easily spread it can cause heart damage. Consequently. poor oral health is bad for your heart.
Cardiovascular Disease has been linked to oral infections and inflammation that is a direct result of gum disease and tooth decay. Studies show a link between clogged arteries and stroke.
Birth and Pregnancy Problems with Poor Oral Health
Women with periodontal disease have a higher risk of premature birth or giving birth to low weight babies. Women who are expecting must pay close attention to oral hygiene. On top of brushing and flossing, it is important to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist in East Greenbush.
Other Conditions That Affect Poor Oral Health Include:
- HIV/Aids
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Some health disorders that affect Teeth and Gums Include:
- Arthritis
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Immune Disorders
- Dry Mouth
- Eating Disorders
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Greenbush who can help you stay on the road to good health with regular dental checkups.
Avoid poor oral health and make schedule your dental checkup today.