Oral Bacteria and Your General Health

No matter how diligent your dental care routine is, your mouth always contains oral bacteria. In fact, more than 1,000 varieties of microbes call it home. These organisms are an integral part of normal digestion; they break down food residue and sugars that are left on your teeth after you eat. Oral bacteria can become unbalanced due to smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, or dental hygiene neglect. The result is the formation of dental plaque that causes numerous problems like gum disease and tooth loss.

General Health Conditions Related to Oral Bacteria

Your mouth is not the only victim. Studies have established links between high levels of oral bacteria and conditions such as stroke, heart disease, obesity, infertility, and low birth weight. A study of 37 hospitalized patients revealed that changes in oral bacteria occurred just prior to the onset of pneumonia. The findings led to health authorities warning that dental hygiene neglect can lead to the potentially fatal lung disease. Other research has found that oral bacteria in the bloodstream may be linked to joint inflammation and the failure of prosthetic joints. High levels of oral bacteria may also be associated with osteoporosis in the jaw, which can lead to tooth loosening and dental abscesses.

An Affordable Dentist Can Help You Learn More

Serious medical problems caused by oral bacteria can be a frightening topic, but reducing your risk is simple; don’t neglect your oral health. Dentists know that optimizing dental hygiene for kids and adults helps them live healthier lives, and they have many tools, treatments, and recommendations to offer. Visit your dentist to learn more about the relationship between oral bacteria and your general health and well-being.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Peoria, call Maple Shade Dental Group today or make an appointment.