Bad Side Effects of Not Taking Care of Your Dental Health

It can be easy to forget that our bodies consist of different systems that can all influence and affect each other. Sometimes, it’s something we eat that causes us to break out in hives. And though our stomachs are connected to our skin, we often ignore what our dental health can do to influence other parts of our bodies. Keep reading to learn more about what taking care of your teeth can do for your health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Diabetic Issues

If you have diabetes, you probably already know that your chances of developing gum disease are higher than for other people. But, these issues actually create a bad cycle. The inflammation of gum tissue and periodontal disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar, which can lead to side-effects of your diabetes feeling worse and harder to manage.

Dementia

Bacteria from gum disease may move through nerve channels, where it can cause serious issues. This bacteria can arrive in the brain via nerves or the bloodstream, where it may influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cardiovascular Disease

You may be shocked to hear that your teeth can affect your heart, too. The bacteria from our gums when they’re inflamed can actually travel through your blood stream and reach your heart. This can lead to the interior lining of the heart becoming infected. And, seriously, the bacteria can cause hardening of the arteries in your heart, where it can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.

Respiratory Issues

Your gums can affect your lungs, too. Breathing in the bacteria from gum disease can lead to that bacteria becoming trapped in the lungs, creating infection such as pneumonia.

Dental Concerns

Before any of these other concerns have a chance to develop, your mouth will feel the first effects of poor dental care. You may develop bad breath, painful gums, or even cavities. This can lead to loss of teeth in extreme cases of neglect.

Take care of your health by keeping your dental health intact. If you’re ready for an appointment, give us a call at (888) 700-6623.  We’d love to see you and help you maintain great health overall.