Guest Blog: Health Repercussions of Bad Oral Hygiene and Conditions that Affect Dental Health

Thursday 16 October 2014

While many factors that relate to one’s well-being are often taken for granted, oral health should not be one of them.

Oftentimes, oral health does not get the attention it deserves until such time that it affects the rest of the body.

Do yourself a huge favor and make your oral health a priority before you fall victim to any of the following adverse health conditions.

1. Coronary Artery Disease

Many studies have tried to establish the possible link between gum disease and heart failure.

It is believed that individuals with periodontitis are likely to also suffer from coronary artery disease as opposed to their counterparts who have good oral health.

While the correlation is still currently obscure, researchers theorized that bad bacteria may travel through the blood stream and attach themselves to the heart’s fatty plaques.

When this happens, an inflammation will likely occur which can result to clots that often set off heart attacks.


Swollen gums are often considered telltale signs of oral diseases that need immediate attention

2. Respiratory Infections

While unknown to many, gum disease can also greatly increase your chance of developing respiratory infections.

According to the renowned ‘Journal of Periodontology’, once the bacteria causing havoc in your mouth find their way into your lungs, they can cause possible airway inflammation. This can result to pneumonia and other infections like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

In line with this, it will work to your advantage to be aware of the basic 7 stages of disease so you can attend to any detrimental health condition before it escalates.

3. Thrush

Candida fungus is present in your mouth and other parts of the body, which is not something to worry about since the rest of microorganisms in the body keep them balanced.

However, while thrush can be effectively treated, it becomes challenging to manage when it affects individuals with weak immune systems.

In most cases, your dentist will design a treatment approach taking into account two important considerations – cause of infection and age.

And since thrush can also be an indicator of other possible underlying health issues, your dental professional will often recommend that you also check with a medical doctor so you can rule out other likely health problems.

In addition, make it a point to observe proper oral hygiene at all times so you are spared from any dental discomforts of this nature.


Thrush found in the tongue of an individual
While oral issues can sometimes lead to serious health complications, there are also diseases that can dramatically affect your oral health, some of which are mentioned below.

1. Diabetes 

Deemed one of the major causes of dry mouth, gum inflammation and poor healing of oral tissues, diabetes is also credited for the presence of fungi in the mouth. Not only that, diabetes also reduces the blood supply in the gums while decreasing the production of saliva. Oftentimes, this results to bacteria build-up and eventual tooth decay.

2. Leukemia 

In some cases, gingivitis becomes the first palpable sign of leukemia. Unfortunately, cancer and chemotherapy can wreck havoc on one’s dental health. With chemotherapy making it hard for blood to clot easily, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to bleeding as well as other infections. In line with this, make dental hygiene a top priority while fighting the said ailment.


Puffy gums are often considered a clear indication of gingivitis
3. Kidney disease 

In most instances, people suffering from renal conditions will also develop halitosis or otherwise known as bad breath. Since kidneys will no longer be able to remove urea from the blood, this will result to the formation of ammonia, which causes stinky breath. In addition, individuals with kidney issues can also end up losing their teeth because of the body’s inability to properly absorb calcium.

Conclusion

Good oral health will do more than just enhance your ability to smile, chew and do things with your mouth. More than anything, it can help ensure you will not suffer from any deplorable health conditions stemming from your neglect.


Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.