Effects of Poor Dental Hygiene

[Dr Shrenik Parmar]

To be able to enjoy anything lifelong, it is imperative that we take good care of it. As much as this holds true for our cars, home appliances, and laptops, it also holds good for our teeth. It goes without saying that one needs to brush, floss, keep away from cavity causing food, and pay a visit to the orthodontist (as per their recommendation) to keep their teeth healthy. While most of us know the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, we may not know why it is so crucial to be meticulous and regular about it.

Repercussions of poor dental hygiene go far beyond cavities, teeth stains, and plaque. Well this is not to say that these are any less serious but what if we tell you that the way you look after your oral health can impact your heart? Surprising, isn’t it? We are going to talk about more such unheard and slightly shocking things about your teeth and its connection with your overall health.

Potential Cause of a Heart Attack:

Your mouth is like a portal to germs and bacteria to your body. Apart from wreaking havoc on your teeth, these nasties can reach your heart and pose a grave threat to it. Just as the bacteria can lead to the formation of plaque on your gum line, it can also cause plaque to develop on the inner walls of arteries, which can hinder the flow of blood throughout the body. This would result in increased chances of heart attack as well as can cause arterial inflammation, which does not bode well for your heart at all.

Periodontal Diseases:

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common type of periodontal or gum diseases that ensue from poor dental hygiene.These result from bacterial accumulation or in other words plaque. Not only do periodontal diseases lead to tender and swollen gums (which in extreme cases also bleed) but also debilitate the bone foundation supporting our teeth.

Diabetes:

Those suffering from Diabetes would possibly know how poor dental hygiene can exacerbate their symptoms. Insulin, the hormone responsible for converting sugar into energy is the root cause of Diabetes. The problem starts with the sufferer’s inability to process insulin resulting in high blood sugar, which can cause severe long term health problems including renal and heart diseases.

Respiratory Track Infections:

The ability to breathe freely and fully is natural and healthy. However, periodontal diseases destroy this ability and cause respiratory infections which can further lead to the development of Pneumonia. Bacteria from gum infections reach bloodstream and attack the respiratory track thereby paving the way for lung infections.

Poor oral hygiene is also associated with pregnancy complications, dementia, frail bones, immunity system disorders, dental erosion,osteoporosis, etc. Maintenance of good oral health is important is not only imperative for enjoying healthy teeth but overall health. It is therefore necessary that we take good care of our mouth to keep our bodies free from a host of ailments.

If you are suffering from a periodontal disease and have been tarrying to see the orthodontist, think again. Do not deprive yourself of timely periodontal treatment.