Lack of Oral Hygiene Could Result in Diabetes, Dementia and Heart Disease Aside From Periodontal Disease, Swollen Gums, Gingivitis

Oral hygiene is important because leaving your teeth and gums unchecked could result in major health conditions. According to experts, not taking care of your health could even be fatal as it could increase your risk of heart disease.

Lack of Oral Hygiene Beyond Periodontal Disease, Swollen Gums, Gingivitis

When one doesn't regularly brush their teeth and leaves their gums unhealthy, it will likely result in periodontal disease, swollen gums, and gingivitis. However, those are only among the things one could suffer from, and things may even worsen. Poor hygiene could result in five major health conditions.

According to Dr. Neesha Patel, a periodontist at the London-based Pure Periodontics clinic, "The mouth is kind of a gateway to the whole body." One should not consider it just the teeth but a whole system.

Studies reportedly showed that those with gum disease and supporting structures around their teeth have two to three times the risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems such as stroke or heart attack. Those with pre-existing cardiac issues or who have undergone open-heart surgery are at great risk of incurring damage if they have poor oral hygiene.

"There is some evidence that if bacteria themselves get into the bloodstream, they can attach to repaired heart valves [and cause inflammation known as endocarditis] and things like that," Patel said.

Studies have also indicated residual plaque can initiate or exacerbate pneumonia because germs can move quickly from the teeth into the respiratory system. They can then descend into the lungs from this point.

Furthermore, inadequate oral hygiene may worsen this excruciating ailment that results in joint swelling. According to Paul Woodhouse, a dentist in Stockton-on-Tees and British Dental Association board member, one is more prone to experience inflammatory issues if their bloodstream contains higher levels of inflammatory substances. Furthermore, gum disease reportedly makes joint issues considerably worse.

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Poor Oral Hygiene Linked To Dementia and Diabetes

Aside from the three aforementioned conditions, poor oral hygiene is reportedly tied to diabetes and dementia. According to a Taiwanese study including 28,000 patients, people who have had chronic gum disease for more than ten years have a 1.7-fold increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have even discovered signs of P. gingivalis-secreted poisons in the brains of departed Alzheimer's patients. It is believed that these toxins may be able to enter the brain from the blood and, over time, cause structural damage.

Drug companies have even made an effort to create treatments that would stop these toxins from acting and keep them from getting to the brain, but thus far, this strategy hasn't worked too well.

Poor oral hygiene is also linked to diabetes. While the association seemed unlikely at first look, studies have found a bidirectional relationship between the two.

Poor blood sugar regulation can encourage an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and untreated, periodontal infections can lead to persistent infections and blood-sugar spikes that make the disease more difficult to control.

According to Woodhouse, endotoxins are produced by bacteria in your mouth if left there for an extended period. In response, the body releases a barrage of inflammatory agents into the affected area, and the toxic chemicals and toxins in your bloodstream cause havoc with numerous body systems. There is a slight chicken-and-egg relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. They both make the other worse.