Health Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health

Heart, or cardiovascular, disease can be linked to oral bacteria traveling from the mouth into the bloodstream. It can cause the arteries to accumulate plaque and become hard, which is a dangerous condition called atherosclerosis. Risks for blood flow problems, heart blockages, and heart attacks are all higher. Hypertension or strokes may occur, as well as endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart lining that can be fatal.

Your brain can be negatively impacted by poor oral health. Infected gums may release substances that can literally kill brain cells and cause memory loss. Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to gingivitis from mouth bacteria spreading to the nerves and into the bloodstream.

Bacteria in your mouth caused by infection or inflammation can be breathed into your lungs or arrive there via your bloodstream. The results can be serious such as respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD.

People suffering from diabetes are at higher risk for infection, such as infected gums that cause periodontal disease. Having periodontal disease may make diabetes more difficult to control, worsening symptoms when blood sugar levels are often increased due to gum disease. Diabetics must practice good oral hygiene to help avoid serious complications.

Changing hormones in an expectant mother’s body can increase her risk for oral infections. In turn, any infection present in the body can lead to pregnancy complications. Gingivitis and periodontitis have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in babies. Gum disease may cause serious health problems for both the mother and infant.

Health issues related to gum disease can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant or sustain a healthy pregnancy. Women with poor oral health may take longer to conceive compared to a woman who has healthy teeth and gums.

Chronic periodontal disease places a higher risk for men to experience erectile dysfunction. In this type of gum disease, pockets caused by gums pulling away from teeth tend to house bacteria that can then spread to the bones surrounding teeth and travel to the bloodstream. Blood vessels may become inflamed, blocking the blood flow to genitals and making erections difficult or even impossible.

Ideal oral health means not smoking or using tobacco products. Tobacco use can cause oral and throat cancers, as well as higher risk for cancers of the blood, pancreas, or kidneys.

Infections like periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease, which may be a serious issue affecting the kidneys, heart, blood pressure, and bones. People suffering from gum disease are more susceptible to infections due to their weakened immune systems. It is not uncommon for those with poor oral health to also have kidney disease, which may be fatal if kidney failure or cardiovascular disease results.

Studies show that people with gum disease are four times more likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these diseases are associated with inflammation in the body. Gingivitis causes gum inflammation and oral bacteria, which then may increase inflammation in the body and create a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis.