Surprising Effects of Poor Oral Care

You’ve probably heard that the eyes are a window to the soul, but did you know that your mouth could be a window to your overall health?

It’s true.

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, and skipping out on twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing can have consequences far beyond bad breath and cavities.

Poor oral hygiene can also:

• Up your risk for heart disease and stroke. Some research has shown that people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease down the line than people who don’t. Why? The reason’s not entirely clear, but it’s been suggested that, over time, oral bacteria can travel from the mouth to the blood stream, carrying clot-producing compounds that can clog arteries and harm your heart. Inflammation caused by mouth bacteria can also increase your risk for heart attack.
• Affect diabetes. People will diabetes are more susceptible to gum infection and inflammation, putting them at higher risk for gum disease. High blood sugar levels also encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth, exacerbating heart disease risk. Poor oral health also makes diabetes symptoms worse, so it’s important to factor good oral care into your diabetes management plan.
• Harm your lungs. Some evidence indicates that gum disease can up your chances for developing chronic lung conditions like COPD and pneumonia, thanks to constantly breathing in the bacteria in your mouth. This triggers inflammation, and eventually, illness.
• Mess with your ability to conceive. One study found that women with gum disease took longer to conceive that women without it – seven months compared to five.

Visit Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates today to learn more about the right way to care for your teeth.

Investing in the care of your mouth is an investment in your health, and our team is here to help ensure that you and your family have bright, healthy smiles for a lifetime.