4 Health Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health
Not many people realize that oral health includes so much more than just keeping the mouth healthy. Since the mouth is the body’s entry point, having poor oral health can affect its entirety. A plethora of bacteria found in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread, causing infection in the body. A few of the health issues that may arise from insufficient oral hygiene include the following:
- Respiratory Infections
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Respiratory Infections
As a result of having poor health, the lungs and respiratory system can be compromised. If an individual has many harmful bacteria in the mouth, it can be breathed in, traveling through the lungs and potentially into the bloodstream. Illnesses of the respiratory system that poor oral health include:
- Pneumonia
- COPD
- Acute Bronchitis
Cardiovascular Disease
Bacteria that live in the mouth can cause periodontal disease. The same bacteria that causes this oral disease can get into the bloodstream and build up plaque in the heart. Plaque can harden the heart’s arteries which are called atherosclerosis. This issue is severe and can increase the chances of having a heart attack and a stroke.
Kidney Disease
As you can tell by now, all health issues stem from oral bacteria getting into the bloodstream. Generally, people who have poor oral health and periodontal disease have a weak immune system and get infections more often than other people. Chronic kidney disease is a serious issue and can even be fatal if not taken care of.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, people with gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA, during their lifetime. The bacteria that come from gingivitis can increase inflammation in the body, which increases the chances of having RA. This autoimmune disease can be a painful and debilitating inflammatory disease.
Oral Health at Rockwall Oral Surgery
We hope that you understand the importance of oral health. If your oral health has been compromised and you require oral surgery, please visit our website for more information on the services we provide. To make an appointment at our office, please contact us today at (469) 264-8921. You can also visit our contact page or send us an email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
