Did you know that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide? Though largely preventable, health issues from teeth can cause pain, disfigurement, and even death. Not many people understand their oral-systemic health.

Can bad teeth make you sick, and if so, what functions does poor dental hygiene impact most? Read on to find out! 

Oral Health Impact

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. Poor dental hygiene can affect major organs and systems, impacting your overall health and well-being.

Neglecting to brush your teeth twice a day and flossing daily leaves bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria can mix with saliva and food particles. A clear, tacky substance, plaque, will form around your teeth.

Brushing and flossing can remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Otherwise, it will release acid and destroy your protective tooth enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

Seek treatment before the decay worsens. Nearly 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities. Meanwhile, over 13% of adults ages 65 and up have lost all their teeth (which can occur if you delay treatment).

Losing your teeth can affect your self-confidence, appearance, and ability to function. For example, you could struggle to chew certain foods. Removing whole foods from your diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies or nutritional issues.

Plaque and tartar can develop below your gum line, increasing your risk of gum disease. This could contribute to:

• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes

You could develop a bacterial infection, which can spread through your blood system, increasing your risk of serious health complications. 

Here are a few other ways poor dental health risks your overall health. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth can cause an infection in the tissues that support your teeth. This can trigger an inflammatory response. Excessive inflammation can increase your risk of cardiovascular health issues.

For example, you could develop endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart valves or chambers (endocardium). You can develop endocarditis when germs from your mouth spread through your blood. 

Gum disease could increase your risk of a heart attack. If your gums are bleeding, talk to your Greenway Village dentist. 

Diabetes

Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease. High blood pressure levels can affect the body's ability to fend off disease or infection.

Gum disease (gingivitis) can affect blood sugar control or cause inflammatory responses. This could contribute to insulin resistance, which means your body will struggle even more to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Poor oral hygiene can cause an endless cycle, affecting your smile and diabetes symptoms. Neglecting to control your diabetes can lead to more health complications.

Schedule routine appointments at your dentist's office. They'll spot early signs of gingivitis before you experience complications. Routine cleanings can reduce your risk of gum disease, protecting your smile and overall health. 

Pregnancy

Gum disease is linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Early signs of gum disease include:

• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• A change in how your teeth fit together
• Foul-smelling breath
• Partial dentures no longer fitting
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Pain when chewing

If you experience these symptoms, visit your dentist right away. You may need teeth scaling and tooth planing (deep cleaning treatment). Treating your gingivitis before it worsens can reduce the risk of complications. 

Respiratory Diseases

Poor oral hygiene could increase your risk of respiratory conditions, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bacteria can spread if you fail to brush and floss daily. Inhaling bacteria into your lungs can cause infection and inflammation. Remember, inflammation can increase your risk of gum disease and resulting complications.

Cognitive Function

Neglecting to prioritize your oral health could cause you to lose teeth. The resulting gaps in your smile can affect your appearance and self-esteem.

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you're not alone. About three in five people don't like how their smiles look. 

Your smile can affect how people perceive you. In fact, most people (76%) base a first impression of someone else on their smile. A beautiful smile can make you look friendly and inviting. 

Poor dental hygiene can cause your teeth to appear dull, yellow, or damaged. You may start hiding your smile due to bad breath or gaps between your teeth. 

Smiling increases serotonin production. Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter that affects your mood and overall well-being. If you stop smiling due to the appearance of your teeth, it can affect your mental health.

As a result, poor mental health is linked to depression, anxiety, and reduced cognitive function. Feeling self-conscious about your smile can become a source of emotional distress.

Poor dental hygiene can cause bacteria and inflammation. High levels of inflammation can trigger chemical reactions in the brain, which could affect brain function and mood regulation. 

Inflammatory molecules can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. They could impair the growth and connectivity of brain cells. This could cause changes to your brain structure, increasing your risk of depression. 

Improving the appearance of your smile can benefit your appearance, mood, and ability to function. You could reduce your risk of mental health issues while improving your self-confidence.

Improve Your Oral-Systemic Health

You can improve your oral-systemic health by:

• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Visiting your dentist twice a year

Your dentist can spot signs of poor dental hygiene before they worsen. With their help, you can avoid these health issues from teeth before you experience complications. 

Routine appointments could save you money in the long run. You can discover the benefits of destination dentistry here.

Can Bad Teeth Make You Sick?

To recap, can bad teeth make you sick? Yes! Neglecting your oral hygiene can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, bruxism, and more. 

Before that happens, visit Greenway Village Dental. Your smile is our top priority.

We offer compassionate, high-quality dental care that goes beyond traditional treatments. Our experienced team will develop a tailored plan based on your needs. 

Your journey to optimal overall health begins with your smile. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.