Oral health avoids serious diseases.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene, including regularly cleaning the mouth and tongue, is crucial for overall health. Neglecting this can lead to a variety of serious diseases and health complications:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, can increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in blood vessels.
Respiratory Infections
Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to a higher risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Neurological Conditions
There is a link between poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, potentially due to the effects of oral bacteria on the brain.
Diabetes Complications
For those with diabetes, inadequate oral hygiene can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels and worsen diabetic complications.
Pregnancy Issues
Gum disease in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Sexual Dysfunction
Bacteria from gum disease may damage blood vessels and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Kidney Disease
Oral infections can put strain on the kidneys and potentially contribute to kidney disease.
Oral Cancer
Poor oral hygiene, combined with factors like tobacco use, increases the risk of developing oral cancers.
Other Conditions
Additional health issues linked to poor oral health include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and even more severe COVID-19 outcomes. In summary, neglecting to properly clean the mouth and tongue can have far-reaching consequences for overall health, including an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, respiratory infections, neurological conditions, diabetes complications, pregnancy issues, sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, and oral cancers. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing these serious health problems.
