All of us are looking for ways to improve our health, often through diet, exercise, or other means. Daily habits, such as oral cleaning and preventative care, have increasingly been a part of that discussion. Importantly, recent studies have shown surprising health risks and correlations connecting a lack of oral hygiene with cardiovascular disease and stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, respiratory diseases, and other systemic conditions.
Below you will find several specific health concerns and how they relate to your dental care and hygiene. Consider researching more on any issues that may be of interest to you as you work to better your health and your life!
- Heart Attack and Stroke – The main concern here is generally periodontal or gum disease, which has been linked to atherosclerosis and endocarditis, both conditions resulting from oral bacteria entering the blood and causing inflammation, infection, or plaque buildup.
- Diabetes – Those who struggle to manage their blood sugar may find that poor dental heath worsens their condition. Conversely, diabetic people are more at risk for various infections including periodontal disease; the treatment of which has been shown to improve glycemic control.
- Pregnancy Complications- Periodontal disease, even in early stages (Gingivitis) has been correlated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and women with gum disease were up to six times more likely to deliver prematurely.
- Respiratory Disease- Because our lungs can contain oral bacteria through inhalation, pneumonia and bronchitis have been found to occur at a higher rate among people with poor oral hygiene.
- Other Systemic Conditions- Certain cancers and even osteoporosis (bone loss) in the jaw resulting in tooth loss, also have higher prevalence among those with poorer oral health.
Most of these health complications are connected to the prevalence of oral bacteria. An overabundance of which can cause plaque to buildup on teeth resulting in an inflammatory immune response, also known as gingivitis in the early stages and periodontitis in more advanced cases. Over time, this inflammation can specifically cause long-term harm to your gums, ligaments, and bone and systemically is a culprit connected to many health issues, as we have noted.
What Can You Do?
It’s often said that knowledge is power, but it’s more accurate to say that what we do with knowledge can result in the power to change our lives for the better. Knowing the health risks associated with poor dental hygiene, here are some ways to ensure your mouth and teeth stay clean and healthy:
- Daily brushing – (at least twice) with fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Flossing gently – between each tooth, on each side near the gums
- Using mouthwash correctly – swish for 30 seconds to one minute, and wait 30 minutes after before eating or drinking
- Visting us twice each year – for a cleaning with our hygienists and a check-up and screening with Dr. Rapal to detect any issues as early as possible
- Reducing sugar intake and tobacco use – these are also among the top recommendations for people looking to get back in charge of their oral health.
- Drink or rinse with water - after consuming sugary foods or beverages
Take the time now to establish a routine of good oral hygiene practices, and remember to schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups, which include screenings for many common dental problems which are always better to catch in the early stages!
Dr. Kiran Rapal is devoted to the wellbeing of her patients in every aspect of their lives. IF you have concerns about how your oral health may be affecting your overall wellbeing, please contact her for a consultation.