Dynamic Dental Wellness

15 Diseases Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

November 14, 2022

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Symptoms of health issues like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are first detected in the mouth. Risky bacteria that begin in the mouth enters the bloodstream and leads to catastrophic systemic conditions. 

Diseases that are caused by poor dental hygiene include:

Cardiovascular Disease: Bacteria from the mouth enters bloodstream and causes the arteries to harden which leads to an increase in risk of stroke or heart attack. This is why periodontal disease is linked to artery inflammation. However, 90% of heart disease can be prevented by proper dental hygiene.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Poor dental health causes the bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. When these bacteria leave the mouth and travel to brain, they kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. Spirochetes, a pathogenic oral bacterium, is a potential cause of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Diabetes: Periodontal disease makes it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels and aids in increasing the risk for developing Diabetes. Studies show that 95% of adults with diabetes also have periodontal disease. 

High-Risk Pregnancy: Studies show that women with periodontal disease are six times more likely to give birth prematurely. Bacteria Fusobacterium Nucleatum which is present in the oral cavity has been found in amniotic fluid and placenta or preterm birth patients. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Teeth grinding is one of the major signs of sleep apnea. Grinding causes cavities and inflamed gums, increasing the risk for infection. Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and headaches. 

Respiratory Issues: Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and travel through the blood stream. Once the bacteria accumulate in the lungs, it causes respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, and lung disease. 

Cancer: People with poor oral health have a higher risk for developing pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and blood cancer. In addition, smoking and chewing tobacco increases the risk for oral cancer. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Studies show that the inflammatory response of joints in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis is similar to the inflammatory response in patients mouth with periodontal disease. 

Osteoporosis: Later stages of periodontal disease cause bone loss in jaw bone. Studies show that periodontal disease affects bones throughout the body and not just the jawbone and teeth.

Kidney Disease: Poor oral health causes inflammation and infection that will travel through the bloodstream, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. 

Prostate/Erectile Dysfunction: Bacteria in bloodstream cases inflamed blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the genitals. A study shows that men with periodontal disease were three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease results from infections in the mouth and when teeth are not adequately cared for. It reduces your ability to fight infection and inflammation and increases your risk of severe health conditions. 

Obesity: The cause of obesity can be either genetic or have cultural factors, however maintaining a healthy weight is essential to having proper oral health. 

COVID-19: Studies show that patients with periodontitis were three times more likely to experience severe COVID symptoms or death. 

Infertility: It can take longer for a woman with poor dental health to conceive than a woman with good oral health. Research has shown that men with poor oral health have lower sperm count and reduced motility.

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