How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health

Most people associate poor oral hygiene with cavities, sore gums and tooth loss. What they do not realize is poor oral hygiene affects your overall health. The bacteria in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body, causing or worsening conditions and complications most would never associate with poorly cleaned teeth and unhealthy gums. So how does poor oral hygiene affect your health?

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Periodontal Disease
A lack of good brushing and flossing habits frequently leads to periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease starts out mildly as gingivitis, which causes red, swollen and bleeding gums. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more severe periodontitis, an infection that destroys both the gum tissue and the bones that support the teeth.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Heart Disease, Heart Attack and Stroke
Bacteria from periodontal disease have been found in the plaque that clogs the arteries of people with heart disease. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, the immune system response causes inflammation and narrowing of the arteries. In addition, the bacteria stick to fatty plaques and platelets, causing blockages and blood clots to form. All of this greatly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. One research study found analyzing the signs of poor oral hygiene, such as cavities, missing teeth and periodontal disease, was more effective in predicting heart disease than tracking cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

Another study found a relation between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease. Metabolic syndrome is a group of five risk factors linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. While periodontal disease was associated with all five factors, low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high blood pressure had the strongest connections.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Memory Loss
Researchers are continuing to look into the connection between periodontal disease and memory loss. As mentioned above, there is a link between poor oral hygiene and the narrowing and blocking of arteries. When the arteries to the brain are affected, it can lead to memory loss and dementia.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Cancer
Various studies show a connection between poor oral hygiene and certain forms of cancer involving the head and neck, esophagus, and lungs. Poor brushing habits, tooth decay, dental fillings, missing teeth and periodontal disease were all shown to increase the risk of developing these cancers.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to experience preterm deliveries and low birth weights. The chemical prostaglandin, which induces labor, is present in oral bacteria. As periodontal disease advances, the levels of prostaglandin rise, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Health - Respiratory Problems
Inhaling the bacteria found in severe periodontal disease can lead to respiratory problems and infections. This is especially true for people who already have lung problems.