Many people don’t realize just how important their dental health is. However, it’s important to know that having poor oral hygiene affects more than just your teeth. It can also affect the rest of your body, and may have serious implications on your overall well-being. For example, gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions such as endocarditis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, visiting your Reno dentist can help prevent serious health risks, and keeps your dental hygiene on a healthy track.
Health Risks Linked to Poor Dental Health
There are several types of health risks that may be caused by poor oral hygiene. Some of these include heart disease, diabetes, lung infections, cerebral damage, and rheumatoid arthritis. Often, people with poor brushing and flossing habits develop gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease and they typically don’t realize how that affects the rest of their body. However, letting gum diseases go untreated can result in further health problems and even more serious conditions. Take a look below to learn more.
Diabetes
Most people are aware that those who suffer from diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease. However, studies are beginning to show that diabetes can be directly affected by gum disease as well. Because gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, also affect blood glucose control, they can contribute to the negative effects felt by diabetes patients. And those with diabetes typically have a lower resistance to harmful infections, including those caused by gum disease.
Another complication diabetes patients may experience due to gum disease is an increased resistance to insulin which directly affects blood glucose control. There’s also a greater risk of bacteria caused by periodontal disease producing harmful toxins that affect carbohydrate metabolism in cells. These are necessary to ensure a constant supply of energy to living cells. Fortunately, with proper dental health practices, diabetes patients should be able to mental a healthy mouth and a healthy body.
Heart Disease
Various heart diseases such as cardiovascular disease and endocarditis have been directly linked to poor oral hygiene. When bacteria caused by gum disease inflammation enters the bloodstream it can pose very serious risks. Once bacteria enters the bloodstream it’s then able to travel to arteries in the heart which then harden and prevent blood from flowing throughout the body. This can then lead to heart attacks, endocarditis, and blood clotting.
By preventing gum disease such as periodontal disease, you’ll also help prevent a harmful heart related condition from developing.
Cerebral Damage
In serious cases, gum disease may cause damaging brain conditions such as dementia and stroke. Often, these medical concerns are triggered by bacteria from gingivitis that has entered the brain. Harmful bacteria may enter from nerve channels in the head or through the bloodstream making them difficult to control. Issues with bacteria reaching the brain can be very damaging and extremely serious. In order to avoid serious cerebral damage caused by gum disease, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene and dental health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints all over the body. It’s also a type of auto-immune disease that makes it difficult for the body to properly fight off inflammation and bacteria. This makes it quite common for people who live with RA to develop gum disease. Because inflammation and gum disease are directly connected, they can also increase the negative effects of those who suffer from RA.
People who suffer from painful RA flare ups in their jaw may also have a more difficult time brushing and flossing their teeth which increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Let Your Reno Dentist Keep Your Dental Health on Track
Visiting your dentist regularly will help you maintain good dental health and hygiene which will also improve your overall well-being. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Reno NV area, you’ve come to the right place. Not only do our patients get exceptional dental care, but they also get to know they’re in good hands with our trusted team.