Why Putting off Going to the Dentist Can Cause Health Issues

Many people make the mistake of putting off the dentist. Some people can’t find the time for it. Other people may be terrified of the dentist. The problem is that putting off going to the dentist can be a major mistake. Your oral health and your overall health are linked. If you have poor dental health, you can be put at risk for a variety of health conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. Reading on, you can learn about some health problems that can be associated with poor dental health.

Cardiovascular Disease
When you have poor oral health, this puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. With poor oral health, bacteria forms in your gums. The bacteria can enter into the bloodstream, leading to plaque buildup in your arteries. This puts you at a great risk for heart problems, including having a heart attack.

 Respiratory Infection
The bacteria from gum disease can also lead to problems like respiratory infections. The gums can become infected and inflamed, causing the bacteria to spread to the lungs. This causes issues like pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.

Diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, there can be a vicious cycle that you go through. People with diabetes tend to have infected gums more often than those who aren’t diabetic. When it happens, it becomes harder for you to control your sugar levels. Gum disease is also a contributing factor to someone developing diabetes.

Increased Risk for Cancer
Poor oral health can also increase your risk for developing certain cancers. This includes cancers like pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, and kidney cancer. It can also increase your chances of developing throat cancer, especially in those who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. The dentist will check for signs of oral cancer when you go in for your regular checkups.

Dementia
There is some evidence that gums that are inflamed can release substances that can be very harmful to your brain. The bacteria that enter into the bloodstream can spread into the brain and nerves, leading to problems like memory loss.

Infertility
Gum disease has been linked to fertility problems. Not only can gum disease lead to issues such as infertility, but it can also impact your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. There are many risks to the fetus if the mother has untreated gum disease. This includes low birth weight and preterm labor. Good dental health is as important for the mother as it is for the child that they are pregnant with.
 
Conclusion
Gentle Care Dentistry understands just how important it is to visit the dentist regularly. Even if you think that your teeth are fine, through regular cleanings you can ensure that your teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. This also allows you to catch any problems before they become much more serious. Going to the dentist regularly is a great way to ensure that you avoid many health issues that can be caused by dental health problems.