Health Problems that Can be Caused by Bad Oral Health

Caring for your teeth is about more than just keeping your mouth, gums, teeth, and other oral tissues. In fact, bad oral health habits can actually have negative effects on the entire body. It’s important to know that if your gums bleed, your teeth ache, or you suffer from chronic halitosis, there may be underlying health issues.

Health Issues Caused by Bad Dental Health

Below are a few of the common health problems caused by bad oral hygiene habits:

• Cancer – Bad oral health habits like chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes can cause oral and throat cancer. However, other types of cancer have been linked to gum disease, such as blood cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer.
• Heart Disease – If the bacteria that causes gum disease get into the bloodstream, plaque can begin to build up in the arteries and harden. This can cause blood flow problems, heart blockages, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Alzheimer’s – The substances that cause gum infection, gum disease, and periodontitis have been shown to kill brain cells and cause memory loss. This means that gum disease can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
• Pregnancy Complications – Due to the hormone fluctuations that happen during pregnancy, gum disease, and oral infections can develop more quickly. Infections in the mother can increase the odds of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Prevention of Health Problems

The best way to prevent the above serious health problems caused by bad oral health is to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene habits. This means making sure to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and visit your general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.

At Lockett Orthodontics, we know the importance of visiting the dentist during your orthodontic treatment. For more information on dental braces, Invisalign, or to make an appointment at our office, please contact Lockett Orthodontics here in Colorado Springs, Colorado.