How Untreated Dental Issues Cause Harm to Other Body PartsOral health is extremely important for several reasons. Gum disease, cavities, and bad breath are all tell-tale signs of periodontal disorder. If left untreated, oral cavities can become the pathway for bacteria to enter our body. Once they find a way into the bloodstream, they can spread to other parts of the body quite rapidly. Taking good care of your oral health is imperative to ensure optimal overall health. It is also the only way to avoid serious periodontal disorders in the future. At Smile Family Dentistry, we take great pride in encouraging all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene. Our highly trained staff works closely with each patient to cater to their oral health needs. Sign of Periodontal Disease Spreading To The BodyAlthough quite rare, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. If that were to happen, the consequences can be severe. There are many signs to look out for if you are concerned that your tooth infection might be getting worse. For instance, swelling around the neck, face, and cheeks are a tell-tale sign of severe tooth infection. Some other symptoms may include itchy skin, nausea, fever, heachache, double vision or loss of vision, difficulty breathing, and delirium. Downsides of Poor Oral HealthOral infection can sometimes find its way to the lungs and lead to a myriad of respiratory illnesses. Inflamed gums release toxins which can reach our brain cells and damage them. This can lead to loss of memory or dementia in some patients. If you are at risk of cardiovascular disease, the bacteria from an infected tooth can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. This can increase the chances of a cardiac arrest. Diabetic patients have many reasons to fear tooth infections as they are more likely to develop them. Bacteria entering the bloodstream of a diabetic patient can lead to unregulated blood sugar levels which can give rise to an array of health issues. While many may not be aware, poor oral health can also lead to infertility in women. Gum disease can increase the chances of complications during a pregnancy. The chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis is quite high among those with poor oral hygiene habits. Presence of bacteria in the bloodstream can increase inflammation in the body. Many studies have also linked poor oral health to kidney disease and prostate problems. Patients with gum disease have a compromised immune system that can raise challenges for other parts of the body. Visit Your Dentist RegularlyThe importance of regular dental checkups cannot be overstated. You must take care of your oral health if you want to prevent serious illnesses in the future. Regular dental appointments should not be missed as they can mark the beginning of oral issues that can make your life fairly difficult to manage. If a friend or a close family member is dealing with gum disease or other oral health issues, encourage them to schedule an appointment with a dentist. At Smile Family Dentistry, we take every possible step to ensure that each patient gets the highest level of care. If you have any questions about our services or would like to book an appointment over the phone, feel free to reach us at 925-825-1130. |