Four Health Conditions Caused by Poor Oral Health

by Dr. Alan Rauchberg, Rauchberg Dental Group
​The health of your mouth and body are intertwined and can impact each other more than many people realize. That's not to say that a small oral health problem that you get treated can manifest illness in another part of your body. When left untreated it can impact our body's ability to fight off illness.  Not only can routine preventative care keep you from needing invasive dental treatment but it can also preserve your oral health, in turn, your physical well-being. ​

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist every six months to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy and to prevent oral problems from getting worse.  At each of your checkups and cleanings, your dental professional will conduct an oral cancer screening, check for any signs of oral health issues, and take digital X-rays to make sure that hidden problems get diagnosed and treated. Then, they will thoroughly clean the tartar and plaque from your mouth to prevent problems from arising down the road. Four Medical Conditions Related to Poor Oral Health Over the last few decades, researchers have linked several medical conditions to worsening gum disease and oral infections. It's more important than ever to maintain good oral health.

Here are four conditions linked to poor oral health:

Cardiovascular Disease- The same toxins produced by harmful bacteria in your mouth are known to cause gum inflammation are able to travel through the blood streaming affect your heart. Studies have shown that patients with untreated gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart attacks.

Alzheimer's Disease- Research has found that plaque found in the brain can be produced by our body in response to an infection, including those in the mouth.
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Respiratory Infections- Just like in cardiovascular disease, the same oral bacteria that caused gum disease can travel through the bloodstream to your respiratory system causing medical conditions like pneumonia and acute bronchitis.

Cancer- Bad oral habits, like smoking tobacco products, are known to cause oral health problems like gum disease and infection. They are also known to cause oral cancer.

​Taking care of your mouth means spending just as much time maintaining your teeth and gums as going to the gym and eating healthy. Without an infection free smile, your risk of developing life altering illnesses is significantly higher. The best way to stay on top of this problem is to see your dentist on a regular basis and have a good at-home oral hygiene routine.