Maintaining proper dental hygiene does more than protect you against cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. As S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, explains, keeping up with brushing and flossing can also help reduce your risk of other serious medical complications. Committed to helping citizens of Enterprise, AL, embrace healthy smiles, this family dentist explains a few ways poor oral care can affect the rest of your body.

What Bad Dental Hygiene Can Do to Your Body

Heart

Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria that can typically be prevented and controlled with professional dental cleanings, flossing, brushing, and proper diet. Over time, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream via gum tissues, eventually finding their way to the arteries. The germs attach to the plaque that forms along artery walls, increasing the risk of inflammation and infection. As a result, individuals can be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke.  

Lungs

When oral bacteria aren’t kept at bay with at-home care and routine appointments with a dentist, they may travel through the body in more ways than the bloodstream. Specifically, individuals may breathe in the germs, allowing them to enter the respiratory system. If the problem grows, it can trigger lung infections, such as pneumonia.  

Brain

People with extended dental infections have a higher risk of developing dementia, a chronic condition associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. While further research is needed to confirm the connection, it is believed that the oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to plaque buildup in the brain — a complication associated with Alzheimer’s disease.   

Blood Sugar

Patients with diabetes are encouraged to maintain proper oral care, as the disease can suppress the immune system and make it easier for gum disease and dental infections to occur. At the same time, poor dental health can contribute to diabetes symptoms and reduce the body’s ability to maintain blood sugar control — even with the support of insulin. When blood sugar levels become consistently high, you’re placed at a greater risk of complications such as stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, heart disease, and nerve damage.

By adopting complete oral hygiene practices every day and treating dental health issues promptly, you can dramatically reduce the risk of these health problems. Whether you want to keep up with routine cleanings or require prompt treatment for infections, S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, offers comprehensive care to help protect your mouth — and the rest of your body. Providing everything from teeth whitening to dental implants, this dentist is your one-stop shop for a healthy smile. Visit the dentistry clinic online to learn more about available services or call (334) 475-2624 to schedule an appointment.