Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. Not only can poor dental hygiene lead to cavities and tooth decay, but it can also lead to serious health concerns like gum disease and heart disease. Let’s take a look at why they are connected and why it’s important to keep up with your dental hygiene.
Gum Disease
If you’ve neglected your teeth for quite a while – no regular brushing or flossing, no dental cleanings, or exams – you may notice some things off with your gums. Some signs of gum disease include puffy or swollen gums, irritation, or redness. When left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues. In fact, it can destroy the bones that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss and disfiguration of the mouth. If you suspect you have gum disease, see your dentist immediately.
Heart Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, poor dental hygiene can lead to heart disease. Although the research isn’t 100% conclusive that bad oral health always leads to heart disease, it does show that if you neglect your teeth and gums, you have a higher risk of heart problems. Poor dental hygiene leaves you at risk for bacterial blood infections, which can severely affect the heart valves. This risk is even higher if you have a history of heart valve conditions or artificial heart valves.
The best way to avoid all these serious risks is to take care of your teeth and gums. This means regular brushing, flossing, checkups, cleanings, and x-rays. Have you been keeping up with all of those things? If not, call Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts to make an appointment with Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller today. Don’t neglect your dental hygiene any longer!