Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body! How well you take care of your mouth with directly affect the rest of your health. Discover three conditions that may arise if you have poor oral health:

Gum Disease

If bacteria have the opportunity to thrive and live in your mouth, it may develop into gingivitis and then into periodontitis. Gingivitis occurs when your gums are inflamed, and bleeding is a common side effect when you brush or floss your teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis may form and the inner layer of your gums and bone may start pulling away from your teeth. This can cause pockets in your gum line which acts as a basin for bacteria and food particles. Gingivitis and periodontitis can greatly contribute to poor oral health.

Oral Cancer

Symptoms of oral cancer range from loose teeth to lumps in your mouth, to difficulty swallowing, to mouth pain. One major way to decrease your chance of developing oral cancer is to quit smoking and follow a strict oral hygiene regimen. Consider the findings of a study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine,

“We found that poor oral health was strongly associated with oral cancers. It aids the carcinogenic potential of other known carcinogens like tobacco and alcohol. Even on adjusting for known confounding factors like tobacco, alcohol use, education, and socio-economic strata, presence of poor oral health exhibits higher odds of developing oral cancer.”

Nicotine use and excessive alcohol consumption can greatly contribute to poor oral health. Instead, make sure to floss daily, brush your teeth when you wake up and before bed (and after lunch if possible!), and visit your dentist at least twice every year for a professional cleaning.

Heart Disease

Poor oral health does not directly cause health disease, but it is a known risk factor for heart conditions. If a bacterial infection enters the blood stream due to poor oral health, your heart valves may be affected. Prioritize your heart health by prioritizing your oral health.

Dr. Strandburg Can Optimize Your Oral Health

If you’re concerned about your oral health or need a bi-annual dentist appointment, don’t hesitate to call our office today. Dr. Strandburg can talk to you about ways to optimize your oral health and proceed with a game plan to protect your teeth and gums.