Poor Dental Care Can Make You Sick!

According to health.yahoo.net, everyone should be aware of the article  “5 Ways Poor Dental Care Makes You Sick.”  Even with brushing your teeth daily, you may still have dangerous bacteria lurking in your mouth.  This bacteria could lead to gum disease, also called peridontal disease,  which may exhibit bleeding of gums or gum pain.  This bacteria may also cause other issues that harm your health.

1.  Your heart could be harmed. Those who suffer with gum disease are twice as likely to have coronary artery disease.  One theory is that the harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream and can increase your chance of  blood clots that can cause a heart attack.

2.  Your Memory may decline.  Studies have shown that those with the fewest teeth are more likely to have dementia.  Gum disease can cause people to lose their teeth.  Also, experts think that oral bacteria can spread to the brain through the cranial nerves or in the bloodstream which may lead to Alzheimers.

3.  Your blood sugar levels may be worse.  People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are susceptible to infections.  So having gum disease and getting infections  makes it more difficult to control the blood sugar in the body which makes the diabetic symptoms worse.

4.  Your breathing may be more difficult.  Respiratory infections can be caused by gum disease. The bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and then the airways can become inflamed. If the airways are inflamed then you may have difficulty with breathing.

5.  Your fertility may be affected.  During child bearing years, women without gum disease take an average of 5 months to become pregnant.  Women with gum disease take an average of over 7 months to become pregnant.  Also, studies have shown that women with gum disease have a greater chance of miscarriage.

Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, and Hart want to help you have great dental care and to be educated on the proper methods to take care of your teeth and your health.   Continue to follow our blog on these methods!  Please call us at Family Dentistry in Newburgh to keep your teeth and your body healthy!