Full-Body Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health

As you might know, an unhealthy smile is often a big enough problem on its own. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections involve many nasty symptoms that no one wants to face. With that said, your ailing mouth could damage more than just your grin; it may also cause full-body issues. Neglecting your teeth and gums would thus put your quality of life at risk. If you need proof of these claims, keep reading to learn four full-body issues caused by poor oral health.

Cancer

It’s true that oral and throat cancers are the only types linked to your mouth. However, recent research suggests dental problems also make other kinds more likely.

A reputable study from Johns Hopkins Medicine is the source of this conclusion. After careful analysis, researchers found a 24% increase in cancer risk among gum disease patients. This rise was even more prominent in regard to pancreatic cancer, though the reason is unknown.

Diabetes

Your smile’s health can seem completely unrelated to blood sugar at first. Even so, the truth is that some dental problems make diabetes more likely.

This reality stems from how gum disease impacts your body. As bacteria from your infected gums spread, the inflammation they cause can affect blood sugar control. This loss of control often leads to higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, putting you at a much higher risk of diabetes. (Adding insult to injury, any resulting diabetes could also worsen your gum disease.)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Most people wouldn’t link their bones with their mouths. Still, it turns out that an unhealthy mouth can result in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The oral health-arthritis conclusion comes from (among other places) a 2019 study. In this research, scientists found that the bacteria behind gum disease can inflame your whole body. This inflammation can even reach your bones and cause rheumatoid arthritis, weakening and damaging your joints. The afflicted would then suffer symptoms like fatigue, painful joints, fever, and more.

Dementia

Surprisingly enough, a weak smile can lead to a weak mind. Evidence now shows that dental problems put you at an increased risk of dementia.

It all seems to stem from (once again) gum disease. Apparently, bacteria from this condition can get into the bloodstream and eventually reach your brain. Said microbes would damage your neurological tissues if that happens, potentially leading to dementia.

Since various full-body issues are caused by poor oral health, never neglect your grin. Your teeth, gums, and the rest of you will benefit from a strong smile!

About the Practice

Dentistry of Wisconsin is based in both Waupun and Beaver Dam, WI. Led by four top-tier dentists, our practice offers a comprehensive menu of dental services. You can trust us for preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative dentistry, as well as emergency oral care. This range of options ensures we can always help your smile with its current problems. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at either (920)-324-3881 or (920)-887-2112.