Dental Hygiene Impacting Total Wellness

We know that when someone is not able to access their basic hygiene needs, the consequences are much bigger than what we see at “face value”. Dental care is one of the greatest examples of this.

Not having access to dental care - including the minimum toothbrush/toothpaste/floss - does more than impact solely the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads.

Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without access to dental supplies such as toothbrush, paste, or floss - bacteria can reach levels that might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are some common and serious health problems caused by bad oral health:

Cardiovascular Disease

Having poor oral health puts a person at risk for heart disease. If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, that same bacteria can actually get into the bloodstream causing the arteries to build up plaque and harden. This leads to blood flow problems and heart blockages and it increases the likelihood of having a heart attack. The damaging impact on the arteries and blood vessels can lead to hypertension and increase the risk for strokes. Endocarditis can also develop, which is an often fatal condition that occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected.

Dementia

Poor oral health can affect the brain. Substances that are released from gums inflamed by infection can actually kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. Dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease can result from gingivitis when the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream.

Respiratory Infections

The respiratory system can suffer as a result of poor oral health. Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth and swollen gums can travel there through the bloodstream. Once there, the bacteria can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis.

Diabetes

Not only are diabetics already more susceptible to infection such as infected gums that lead to periodontal disease, but periodontal disease can in turn make diabetes more difficult to control. Symptoms can worsen as blood sugar levels increase because of gum disease. Because gum disease can lead to higher than normal blood sugar levels, a person with poor oral health is at an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Pregnancy Complications + Infertility

It is imperative for expectant mothers to practice good oral hygiene. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can cause a woman to develop oral infections much more easily. Oral health problems in the mother such as periodontitis and gingivitis have been known to lead to premature birth and low birth weight in infants. Gum disease puts both mother and baby at risk for experiencing serious health issues.

There is a link between poor oral health and problems with infertility. Gum disease can lead to various overall health issues that can make it more difficult to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Erectile Dysfunction

Chronic periodontal disease is known to be related with ED. CPD is an infection that occurs when gums pull away from teeth, which creates pockets that carry bacteria and allows the bug to spread to the bone surrounding teeth. Bacteria from diseased gums can get into the bloodstream and cause blood vessels to become inflamed. This inflammation can block the flow of blood to the genitals, making erections more difficult or even impossible to achieve.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a serious health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Infections in the body such as periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. People with gum disease generally have weaker immune systems and are more likely to acquire infections. Kidney disease can be fatal if it leads to kidney failure or cardiovascular disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, people with gum disease were four times more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The oral bacteria from gingivitis can increase inflammation throughout the body. This makes the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, a painful and debilitating inflammatory disease, much higher.

In Conclusion…

Good oral health not only enables you to functionally perform in the workplace and in the community through speaking, smiling, eating, and so forth, it is also important for communication, human relationships and financial prosperity. Poor dental health has serious consequences, including painful, disabling, and costly health conditions.

When someone is unable to care for their dental health because they cannot access the very basic supplies that makes this possible, their entire health, wellbeing, and lifestyle is at risk.