2 Surprising Ways Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

You’re probably already aware of the obvious issues that are an effect of poor dental health, including bad breath, cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, etc. But did you know that various other health conditions can be caused due to poor dental health? Dental health is closely tied to your overall health in ways that may surprise you.

health issues that are linked to dental health

• Respiratory Infections: If you aren’t taking care of your gums, you may increase your risk of developing respiratory diseases in the future. Research suggests that people with gum disease have a higher chance of getting pneumonia and other conditions. Having poor gums and dental hygiene means that you’re breathing in more bacteria through your mouth and into your lungs and body. These can cause infection and inflammation, leading to such as bronchitis. Poor dental health can also make it harder to treat chronic respiratory diseases.
• Mental Health: Believe it or not, poor dental health can significantly impact your mental well-being. Think about it: if you can’t speak or chew due to a missing tooth or other oral issues, it will cause a direct drop in your quality of life. But that’s not all. When the harmful bacteria in your mouth travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, it causes inflammation. This inflammation can have an adverse effect on your brain, as it can destroy neurons and lead to depression and even memory loss.

If you notice any signs of dental issues, it is important to report to a dentist immediately. Not only can it cause damage to your mouth, but it can affect your overall health. If you live in Windsor, Greeley, Eaton, Ault, Fort Collins, or Pierce, visit Severance Dental for a consultation now.