Are you aware of the significant health risks that poor oral hygiene can bring? Not only does this refer to cavities and tooth decay, but evidence suggests it could also lead to other illnesses. The good news is that all types of oral diseases are preventable with little effort on your part. Go through this blog for more information about how improper oral hygiene routine directly affects your overall health—you'll be amazed by what you learn!

10 Health Problems Caused Due To Improper Oral Hygiene

The best dentist in Boca Raton has come up with the ten health issues that can be caused by not following a proper oral hygiene routine. Knowing these problems will help you figure out the importance of maintaining your dental hygiene.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have found that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart attacks or strokes than those without periodontal disease. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to your cardiovascular system.

2. Pneumonia

Bacteria in your mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and sinus infections.

3. Diabetes

People with diabetes are already at an increased risk of gum disease due to their weakened immune systems. However, recent studies have shown that those with severe periodontal problems may be at an even higher risk of developing diabetes in the future.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

Men with severe gum disease have been found to have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction than those without gum problems, leading some researchers to suggest a link between the two conditions.

5. Kidney Disease

Poor oral hygiene has been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease as well as end-stage renal failure (ESRD). This may be because bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel through the body, eventually reaching the kidneys, where they cause infection and inflammation.

6. Alzheimer's Disease

Recent studies have suggested a correlation between poor oral health and Alzheimer's Disease. Although, it is still being determined how exactly these two conditions are related. Researchers believe that bacteria from decaying teeth may enter the brain via nerve pathways or by entering through inflamed gums, leading to inflammation in the brain. This may ultimately contribute to dementia symptoms such as memory loss and confusion.

7. Osteoporosis

Gum disease has been linked to an increase in bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women who are already at a greater risk for osteoporosis due to hormonal changes associated with aging.

8. Arthritis

Bacterial infections from poor dental hygiene can spread through the body and cause inflammation of joints, leading to arthritis symptoms such as pain and stiffness.

9. Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in adults over 40; people who don't practice good oral hygiene are at an increased risk for developing this type of cancer.

10. Obesity

People who don't practice good oral hygiene are more likely to gain weight due to their inability or unwillingness to eat healthy foods. Bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene can also make it difficult for people with obesity-related disorders like binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa.

Good oral health is essential for keeping your teeth looking great and maintaining overall physical health. As you can see from this list, many serious diseases can be caused by inadequate dental care. So, make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, using mouthwash daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a regular dental checkup! Doing so will help keep your mouth—and your entire body—healthy.