Your dental health encompasses the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaws, and all of these parts of your mouth are essential for performing basic tasks that we do all the time. Despite their importance, data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2024 show that oral diseases are widespread among children and adults in America.
This represents a problem not just for oral health, but also for medical issues affecting the rest of the body. Even your heart is at risk for a range of issues connected to how well you care for your teeth. To better understand the complications of poor dental hygiene on your body, let’s examine the reasons heart problems develop and the potential illnesses that result.
Dr. Kyle Kern and his dedicated team assist Newberg, Oregon, residents with various oral health issues to prevent heart problems and other consequences of poor dental health from harming the rest of the body.
Bacteria have a bad reputation because many can lead to infections and diseases. Still, our bodies couldn’t function properly without the presence of healthy bacteria in what’s known as our microbiome. We’re filled with trillions of microorganisms that support health in several ways, such as stimulating the immune system and preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Our mouth also has a microbiome, and through regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups, we help promote more beneficial bacteria to prevent oral diseases. When harmful bacteria thrive in our mouths, however, they not only damage teeth, gums, and jawbones, but also infiltrate your digestive tract, where they can cause harm in various parts.
Harmful bacteria can also reach other parts of the body, contributing to many diseases including pneumonia and complications during pregnancy.
In the opposite direction, health issues such as diabetes, several forms of cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease can make existing dental problems worse, so it’s important to stay on top of your oral health.
During digestion, harmful bacteria travel through the bloodstream. When they reach the heart, they cause inflammation and can exacerbate preexisting heart conditions. Illnesses it can cause or worsen include endocarditis (infection of your heart’s inner lining), clogged arteries, and stroke.
The primary source of bacteria spreading from your mouth comes from gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, especially if left untreated. Look for early signs of these issues, such as red, swollen gums, bleeding, gum infections, teeth that appear longer due to recessed gums, and the sensation of loose teeth. Bad breath is also a common sign.
Dental health and overall health are closely connected, and what happens to one can impact the other. To protect both your teeth and your heart, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kern and his team to stay on top of developing tooth and gum problems and treat them promptly.
