Taking care of your mouth is important more than you can imagine. The bacteria that originate in your mouth and they travel in your whole body and cause host of health problems. Various studies have linked Heart disease, Demantia, Respiratory Problems, Diabetes, Eretile Disfunction, Premature Birth and Cancer to poor oral health.
Risk of Heart Disease or Stroke
The bacteria and plaque enters the bloodstream through the gums. This bacteria contains a protein that supports clot formation. As it passes through the arteries, it clogs them, leading to an increased risk of heart attack. Therefore people with periodontal diseases are at a much higher risk to develop heart diseases than others.
Increased Risk of Dementia
People with poor oral hygiene or gum disease may be at a greater risk of developing Dementia an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study. Periodontitis or gum disease is common in older people and may become more common in Alzheimer’s disease because of a reduced ability to take care of oral hygiene as the disease progresses.
According to a hypothesis when the bacteria reach the brain, they may trigger an immune system response, killing brain cells and resulting in memory loss.
However, growing evidence from a number of studies links the periodontitis with increased rates of cognitive decline. It also suggests that treatment of gum disease might also benefit the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Respiratory Problems
Bacterial infection on the gums aids in the entry of bacteria in the lungs through the blood stream causing respiratory problems. It specially gets aggravated in patients who are already suffering from respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis. While getting treatment for pneumonia or bronchitis, you must also consult your periodontist for possibility of underlying gum infections
Diabetes
Oral health and blood sugar control are closely associated. Patients with diabetes are more prone to infections and thus inflammations in the gums results in periodontal diseases. On the other hand periodontal disease may affect the blood sugar levels. The link between gum disease and diabetes appears to be a two-way street. Therefore if oral health is ignored people with diabetes are at increased risk for diabetic complications.
Erectile Dysfunction
Numerous studies have suggested a link between erectile dysfunction in men and periodontal disease. Men with periodontal disease are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men with good oral hygiene. One of the reasons of ED is the impaired blood flow to the genitals. Increased bacterial Inflammation in the gums results in periodontal bacteria traveling through the bloodstream, enflaming blood vessels and blocking flow to the genitals.
Premature Birth
Premature babies face a host of medical problems including breathing issues and infections. One of the reasons for a premature birth is infection in mother’s body. It can occur in the mouth as well. Severe periodontal disease causes the harmful bacteria to enter different parts of the mother’s body spreading further infections.
Cancer
A new study has found a link between periodontal disease and cancer. After taking into account other risk factors such as smoking and diet, the researchers found that men with a history of periodontal disease had higher risk of developing cancer compared with men who did not have a history of the condition.
Taking care of oral health is a great habit that not only ensures healthy teeth and gums but also eliminate unfortunate overall health risks.