Your oral health can offer clues about the rest of your body’s health. Poor oral hygiene can have negative impacts on the rest of your body. What different links can you look out for?

  • Cardiovascular disease: Poor gum health has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and strokes. Clogged arteries might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause
  • Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. This most often happens when germs enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Although this affection is rare, it can be fatal.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight through infections and inflammation. These issues can potentially affect the health of the unborn baby and lead to complications during pregnancy.
  • Pneumonia: bacteria from the mouth can move down into the lungs and cause respiratory infections. This is a high risk concern for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

Other health issues also have direct relationships with your oral health, such as:

  • Diabetes: Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infections, which puts your gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in those with diabetes. Additionally, high blood sugar can increase the risk of gum infections. 
  • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can lead to bone loss in the jaw. With bone density reduction, the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth can change.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease: Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease gets worse, oral health also gets worse.
  • Cancer: A number of cancers can be linked to gum disease. Such as oral cancers, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal tract. 

More conditions that may be linked to oral health include eating or immune system disorders and arthritis. Ensure your dentist is aware of your health status and that they are aware of the medications you take. 

Protect your oral health by brushing your teeth, eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks, and see your dentist for check ups every six months.