Healthcare dental hygienist, Oral Hygiene zaraleerocky April 24, 2025 1 Comments

10 Health Issues That Poor Oral Hygiene Brings Along

We often forget how poor mouth hygiene impacts the rest of the body, and overlook it. Improper oral hygiene for prolonged periods can have a detrimental effect on both dental aesthetics and functionality, leading to severe health issues in the long run.

Bacteria in the mouth when not removed efficiently can pose a higher possibility of causing systemic infections. They can travel down into your body, resulting in the onset of different health problems.

Check out the 10 most common health issues that may be caused by poor oral hygiene below!

1. Increased Cardiovascular Risks

Bad dental hygiene practices are often responsible for opening a gateway to increased cardiovascular diseases, such as, strokes and heart attack. Mouth bacteria that cause gum disease can reach your bloodstream, inflaming the internal vascular system. However, practicing good oral care by brushing and flossing can remove most of the harmful microbes. For effective cleaning, you can also contact a professional dental hygienist in London.

2. Erectile Dysfunction

When a potential dental infection spreads into the bloodstream, various unfortunate troubles may set in. A 2019 has shown a significant link between chronic periodontitis (or gum disease) and erectile dysfunction. When you do not follow proper dental hygiene, the gums are affected; leading them to pull away from the teeth. This creates small pocket-like structures that serve as an entry point of bacteria. Upon deeper invasion, the blood vessels are inflamed, obstructing blood flow to important organs (including the reproductive system). For males, such a condition can prevent them for having an erection.

3. Certain Cancers

Just like smoking and using tobacco (that increase cancer risks), gum diseases can also contribute to cancers. Several scientific evidences have suggested that people who do not maintain their teeth hygiene are more likely to suffer from periodontitis and cancers. Thus, it is better to visit a dental hygienist before your condition deteriorates.

4. High Blood Sugar (Diabetes)

Whether you have diabetes or not, gum disease can significantly contribute to its development. According to the insights of the American Diabetes Association, gum disease results in inflammation, thus spiking blood sugar levels up. With time, this can increase your likeability of getting diabetes. Thus, it is essential to follow the steps below:

So, it is vital for people with diabetes to do the following, according to the

Manage your sugar levels
Visit the dentist or a dental hygienist frequently
Follow his advice and guidelines for daily cleaning. This will prevent future mouth infections

5. Kidney Diseases

Kidney or renal disorder is a condition when the kidneys are unable to properly filter your blood. This results in metabolic toxins to build up in the body, leading to other problems like heart disease and stroke. A recent study conducted in 2021 has exposed a direct link between gum disease and oral inflammation with disrupted kidney function, (with 3% reduction in kidney function with 10% increase in gum inflammation)

6. Brain and cognitive health issues

When gum disease-causing bacteria get into the bloodstream, they can move through it and travel up to the brain. Various studies suggest that these bacteria can increase the chances of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Take control of your dental health actively today by booking an online appointment with a professional dental hygienist in London.

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medical evidence has found a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As per a recent 2019 study, a bacterium was identified in the mouth of individuals suffering from gum disease – known as, Porphyromonas gingivalis. When the bacteria enter into the bloodstream through dental abscesses, it causes inflammation in the joints, causing rheumatoid arthritis.

RA is a very painful inflammatory autoimmune condition, causing symptoms like:

Swollen and aching joints
Persistent joint stiffness
Fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Fever

8. Respiratory Infections

Chronic gingivitis can cause impaired lung function and respiratory infections. If the bacteria get into the bronchial tissues through bloodstream, severe inflammation can set in, causing worsened symptoms. For example, asthma, COPD, etc.

9. Fertility Issues

Many scientific studies indicate chronic periodontitis to disrupt and worsen the ability of individuals to conceive. Apart from other factors influencing fertility like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, etc, bad dental hygiene too can hamper fertility. It has been seen that individuals with damaged poor dental health take longer to beget children than those maintaining proper dental care.

10. Pregnancy Complications

Expectant individuals might be at a higher risk for oral infections like cavities and gum disease. Consequently, it’s vital for pregnant individuals to maintain proper dental care and consistently visit their dentist to avoid this. Oral infections can present dangers to both infants and their caregivers. For instance, certain evidence indicates that individuals with periodontitis might face a higher risk of premature birth and delivering a baby with low birth weight.

Prevention is crucial: What steps to take?

Several of these concerns might make you question — can a cavity be fatal, or can gum disease be lethal? However, as long as you uphold proper oral hygiene habits and visit a dentist frequently, your dental and overall health should remain in good condition. The most effective method to maintain proper dental hygiene is:

Clean your teeth with floss at least once daily.
Clean your teeth and gums for two minutes two times a day.
Utilise a toothbrush with soft bristles, fluoride-based toothpaste, and fluoride mouth rinse.
Stop using tobacco products (smoking, chewing, and vaping)
Follow a diet that provides optimal nutrition
Steer clear of foods and beverages high in sugar content.
Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water (consult your dentist regarding tap water compared to filtered water for your fluoride requirements)
After meals, chew sugarless gum that has the American Dental Association’s approval.
Ask your dentist regarding supplements for maintaining oral health

Conclusion

Oral health is tightly linked to general well-being. So, you must implement essential measures to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. For better results, consider booking a professional dental hygienist in London today!