5 Health Issues Caused by An Unhealthy Smile

Your oral health is much more important than you might think. Since the mouth is the primary entryway into the body, failing to take proper care of your teeth and gums can have negative consequences for the entire body. Harmful oral bacteria can more easily get into the bloodstream, causing infection and inflammation wherever it spreads. By keeping your smile healthy, you can avoid putting your overall health in danger. With that in mind, here are a few common and serious health problems caused by poor oral health.

Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that an unhealthy smile put you at risk of heart disease? When the gums become inflamed because of bacteria from a gum infection, that same bacteria can get into the bloodstream, causing plaque buildup in your arteries. The hardening of the arteries is a very serious problem. It leads to blood flow problems and heart blockages, as well as an increased chance of having a heart attack. Luckily, you can prevent gum disease with proper dental care and routine checkups.

Dementia

Believe it or not, poor oral health can affect your brain. Certain substances released from inflamed gums can kill brain cells, leading to memory loss. If you have gingivitis, you’re at risk of dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes

Having diabetes is bad enough on its own. However, people with the condition are more vulnerable to periodontal disease, which in turn can make diabetes more difficult to control. That’s why it’s incredibly important for diabetics to take proper care of their teeth and gums. Not only will it help prevent disease complications, but it can lower the chances of having higher than normal blood sugar levels.

Pregnancy Complications

Women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can cause them to develop oral infections more easily. Because of that, expectant mothers must practice good oral hygiene. An infection can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth (i.e., premature birth and low birth rate). 

Cancer

Most people know that habits like smoking and using tobacco products can lead to oral cancer. However, it may surprise you to learn that gum disease has been linked to other types of cancer as well. People with an unhealthy smile are at higher risk of kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancers.

As you can see, your oral health can affect more than just your teeth. By taking the proper steps to keep your smile healthy, you can decrease the risk of more serious bodily health problems.

About the Practice

At Studio City Dental Arts, we take great pride in providing exceptional, personalized, high-quality dental care unlike anywhere else. Our friendly team enjoys educating patients to help them make confident and informed decisions about their oral health. If you’d like to take the next step towards a healthy smile, schedule a routine checkup with our team today. You can make an appointment via our website or call (818) 760-0200.