Every time you wash your teeth and floss, you are accomplishing a crucial daily task that keeps your mouth hygienic and in good condition. But did you know that brushing your teeth also contributes to the overall wellness of your body? A bad mouth causes more than simply discomfort, agony, and expensive dental work. Your respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems can all be impacted by poor tooth health. Even your brain may be impacted.
• Diabetes
Gum disease can also complicate diabetes. Periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) is a serious dental problem in which the gums become so inflamed that they start to pull away from the teeth and form gaps. These gaps can quickly become infected. For someone with diabetes, periodontitis makes it difficult for the body to properly absorb insulin medication that lowers blood sugar levels. In turn, persistent high blood sugar exacerbates infections in the mouth, which causes more inflammation. It’s a vicious cycle. For this reason, it is vital that diabetics maintain good dental health.
• Pneumonia
Air flows through your mouth and into your lungs. If there is an unhealthy amount of bad bacteria in your mouth, this bacteria can easily find their way into your lungs and cause pneumonia or other respiratory problems. The elderly, in particular, should make sure that they continue to take care of their teeth, including dentures, as an illness like pneumonia can become life-threatening when it strikes an older person.
• Dementia
Substances from unhealthy, inflamed gums can kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. Dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease can result from gum infections when the bacteria from your mouth spreads to the nerve channels or enters the bloodstream.
Visit https://smileleaguedental.com/how-poor-dental-health-can-impact-overall-health to schedule a consultation.