There are a lot of ways that your oral health can suffer if you skip regular dental visits. Plaque and tartar build-up. Cavities. Gum infections. Those things make sense. If you don’t take care of your teeth and mouth, problems will happen.
What you might not know, though, is that your health can suffer in other ways as well. In fact, a recent study found that older men in particular are more likely to experience weakness and frailty if they also show certain signs of poor oral health.
The study defined frailty as walking at a slow pace, experiencing weight loss, having little or no physical activity, having low grip ability, and feelings of exhaustion. Dry mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss could all be signs that men are weaker and more prone to accidents. Three or more of these signs can indicate poor health and loss of function, along with a higher risk of disability or death.
Below we’re going to cover several different serious health issues that can develop or become exacerbated without regular dental visits.
Beyond Oral Problems: Other Health Risks You May Face by Skipping Out on Your Dentist
Heart disease or stroke
When you have poor oral hygiene, your gums can become inflamed and pull away from your teeth. The little pockets created by the gaps can allow bacteria in your mouth to enter your bloodstream. The same plaque that builds up on your teeth can build up in your arteries. When your arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque, your chance for heart disease or stroke skyrockets. The inner lining of your heart can also become infected with bacteria.
Lung infections
Gum disease can progress and allow bacteria to travel to your lungs through your bloodstream. This can lead to infections that may include COPD or pneumonia, both potentially life-threatening conditions.
Dementia
Cognitive loss in the brain can be caused by bacterial infections, which can start in a mouth that’s suffering from lack of proper oral care.
Complications for diabetes
Those with diabetes are prone to periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. When your body must constantly fight off infection due to inflamed gums, your diabetes symptoms can worsen because your blood sugar may be harder to control. It’s especially important for those with diabetes to receive regular dental care.
Immune system disorders
When you have an immune system disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, your body has a harder time fighting off infection. Your body may also attack healthy tissue. Poor oral hygiene is thought to be a contributing factor to these diseases.
3 Ways to Improve Your Oral Health
Now that you’ve heard the bad news, here are three easy ways to improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Brush and floss regularly. For best results, brush twice per day and floss once per day. This regular practice will make your gums and teeth healthier and help to prevent disease.
Eat the right foods for optimum health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, celery, and carrots, help clean your teeth and strengthen your gums. Limiting sugary drinks and carbohydrates also keeps the bacteria balance in check, so tooth decay is less likely. Other good foods for building healthy teeth are cheese, spinach, nuts, and basil.
See the dentist every six months or more. If you haven’t seen a dentist in the past six months, make an appointment today for a checkup and cleaning. Regular dental appointments are the best way to head off the problems that have been outlined above. Reach out today and get back on track for a healthier mouth.
