Risk Factor: Skipping Flossing & Brushing

Your mouth is a gateway to your overall health. Finding the time to brush twice daily and floss every day is essential to not only your oral health but the health of the rest of your body. Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth can lead to more than cavities.

Gum disease happens when plaque builds up between your teeth and gums. Gingivitis makes your gums swollen, red, and easy to bleed. If not treated, this can lead to the destruction of tissues and bone, creating pockets between your teeth and gums. At this stage, it is called periodontitis.

Tooth loss can happen when cavities and gum disease are not treated. When plaque is not removed from the tooth’s surface, the acid in the plaque begins to erode tiny holes in the tooth’s enamel. The bacteria and acid from the plaque then reach the next layer of the tooth called dentin. This layer is softer than the hard enamel and less resistant to the damaging effects of plaque. As the tooth decay develops further, it reaches the dental pulp in your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Greater levels of pain will ensue. The damage can eventually become so bad that the tooth may not be saved. Ten percent (10%) of Americans between 50 and 64 have no teeth left.

Poor oral hygiene most likely causes bad breath. Halitosis affects up to 65% of the population. Food particles that linger long after eating can lead to the buildup of malodorous bacteria. The coating on your tongue is another key contributor to bad breath. Research suggests that cleaning your tongue, along with regular brushing and flossing, may help prevent this problem.

Pregnancy complications may develop when expecting mothers do not take care of their teeth. Gingivitis affects 60–75% of pregnant women. Poor oral health is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and eventually lead to the placenta, causing inflammation. There is not enough evidence to say whether oral health is an independent risk factor, though there is a strong correlation between the two.

A cancer-causing virus is linked to oral health. Periodontal disease and tooth loss may be associated with malignant disease. A study of 3,439 people identified poor health as a risk factor for HPV, which causes up to 80% of oral cancers. Periodontal disease may promote the growth of cancerous cells in the mouth.

Heart disease is strongly associated with gum disease. The pathogen bacteria present in periodontal disease could enter the blood stream and be a causal factor for heart disease. Periodontal disease can be considered a marker of risk for heart disease.

Kidney disease may be an outcome of poor oral health. People with periodontal disease are 4.5 times likelier to have chronic kidney disease. Adults with no remaining teeth were also 11 times more likely to have chronic kidney disease.

Ulcers can result due to periodontitis and the bacteria that lies within the pockets beneath the gum line. This bacterium can flare up and result in stomach ulcers. The pockets that form when periodontitis is present can become a reservoir for bacteria and lead to infections.

While it is impossible to prove a direct cause and effect relationship between poor oral health and various conditions, there is strong evidence linking the two. Skipping brushing and flossing can cause much more damage than just cavities. Taking care of your mouth is vital to the health of the rest of your body.