What Are the Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene? – A Closer Look At Risks Associated With Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can have serious consequences on our health. Bacteria can enter our bloodstream and attach to organs like the heart, leading to infection of the chambers and valves, a condition known as endocarditis, which can be fatal if not treated. Moreover, the plaque in our mouths can contribute to clogged arteries and blood clots. In this article, you will learn about the effects of poor oral hygiene and the potential risks it poses to overall health.
Effects Of Poor Oral Hygiene:
Gum disease
Several ways to improve your gums include proper brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth twice daily will reduce plaque, and flossing daily will remove the dental plaque between your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste. Also, change your toothbrush every three months. The toothbrush won’t clean your teeth properly if the bristles are worn down.
In addition to affecting the oral cavity, poor oral hygiene can cause a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It is because bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and stick to platelets, triggering clots that block the blood flow to the heart and cause heart attacks. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States.
The mouth has a direct connection with the cardiovascular system, and bacteria found in gum disease can travel through the bloodstream and enter the heart’s arteries. It increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Effects of Poor oral hygiene are also linked to infertility in women. Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight baby.
Besides causing poor oral health, smoking can also have severe health consequences. Smokers are at increased risk for lung and heart disease. A shortage of regular brushing and flossing can cause serious gum disease, but a simple daily oral hygiene routine can help. You can minimise the likelihood of major issues by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist regularly.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky layer of food and bacteria that forms around the teeth. These bacteria produce acids that damage the tooth’s enamel. In severe cases, this bacteria buildup can cause an abscess, an infection of the gums.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing poor oral hygiene. They are also more susceptible to thrush, a fungal infection that causes painful patches in the mouth. This condition can be prevented by good oral hygiene. People with diabetes should also take special care to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Effects of Poor oral hygiene also increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Diabetes and gum disease are linked. Uncontrolled diabetes makes sugar in the mouth more abundant, which leads to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria feed on this sugar, resulting in plaque, a film that adheres to the teeth. This film hardens and forms tartar, which causes tooth decay.
Besides contributing to poor overall health, Effects of poor oral hygiene can worsen the effects of diabetes on your heart.
Inflamed blood vessels can weaken blood flow, which in turn can lead to heart attack and stroke. Inflammation of the mouth also weakens the body’s ability to control blood sugar, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
To help protect your oral health, people with diabetes should visit the dentist regularly. Ensure that your dentist is aware of your diabetes and follows their instructions. By practicing good dental hygiene, people with diabetes can reduce the risks of developing gingivitis and other dental problems. Remember to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste during your visits. Flossing and dental picks can also help you remove plaque.
Keeping good oral health is important for all people. People with diabetes should ensure they have access to basic dental hygiene tools, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a glucose monitor. Additionally, patients with diabetes should remember to take prescribed medications and eat a healthy diet.
Infertility
Several studies have found that poor oral hygiene can affect fertility. According to the National Institutes of Health, periodontal disease can delay the time it takes to conceive by about 2 months. Periodontal disease is linked to poor sperm counts and reduced semen counts, which impact infertility. Additionally, smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease and can increase the risk of infertility.
While it is not known exactly why research suggests that poor dental hygiene can negatively affect fertility in both sexes, men who have tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to experience infertility than men with good oral hygiene.
In addition, men with poor oral health have lower sperm counts, poor sperm motility, and bacterial infections in the semen. Fortunately, dental care can help improve the overall health of sperm, which can help couples conceive.
Halitosis – bad breath
If you have halitosis – bad breath due to poor oral hygiene, you may need to see a dentist. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment plan for you. They can also help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Occasionally, a dental professional can prescribe a special mouthwash or toothpaste to combat your bad breath. But there also exist bad breath cure at home.
Halitosis is a common condition that affects half of the world’s population. It is a common source of embarrassment and lower self-esteem. Fortunately, it is not hard to treat if you start by treating the underlying cause of your problem. The best natural gingival recession treatment option for you exist.
A lack of regular oral hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis. A lack of flossing and proper brushing can cause bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, causing bad breath. These bacteria are found on the tongue, in between the teeth, and in the spaces between the gums and cheeks. Bacteria accumulate in the mouth and release molecular compounds that cause bad breath. This buildup causes halitosis and can signal an underlying medical condition.
Some people are more prone to halitosis than others. Certain medications, tobacco use, and mouth breathing can contribute to the problem. Additionally, some people have problems with salivary glands, which can lead to halitosis. If you suffer from halitosis, you must visit a dentist to get the proper treatment.
Changing your lifestyle and oral hygiene routine can help you manage your halitosis condition. Make sure you brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Using alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash is a great way to fight halitosis. Additionally, drink plenty of water to avoid daunting effects of dry mouth.
Conclusion
Maintaining adequate oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, but it is especially crucial for those with diabetes or infertility. Effects of Poor oral hygiene has been linked to various health problems, including diabetes and infertility. However, by following some simple dental care tips and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy – and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
