I’m an oral health expert – the five life-threatening risks of not brushing your teeth

POOR oral hygiene is not just unpleasant, gum disease can lead to all sorts of serious health problems.

Dr Nigel Carter, of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “The mouth is loaded with bacteria and, while most are harmless, some can cause disease.”

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The body’s natural defences, and daily and thorough brushing and flossing of teeth all help.

But get lazy, and here’s five risks that may surprise you . . . 

HEART TROUBLE

IF you suffer from gum disease, you are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease.

Bacteria in your mouth can produce proteins in the blood that cause blockages in your arteries.

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Dr Nigel warns: “If the blood flow is badly affected this could also lead to a heart attack.”

STROKE

STUDIES have linked mouth infections to increased risk of stroke.

Bleeding gums and inflammation can change how blood and oxygen gets to your brain.

Dr Ben Atkins, ex-president of the Oral Health Foundation, explains: “Bacteria causes protein levels to rise, which can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels – an indicator of a higher risk of stroke.”

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DIABETES

GUM disease is more likely in people with diabetes and vice versa.

People with diabetes suffer more infections in general and those who do not know they have the disease are particularly vulnerable.

Dr Carter says: “If you have diabetes, it is important gum disease is diagnosed – it can lead to poor blood sugar control, raising the risk of complications.”

CHEST INFECTIONS

BREATHING in droplets containing bacteria from the mouth and throat can trigger a chest infection.

This can lead to deadly pneumonia or make existing lung conditions worse.

Dr Carter says: “People with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.”

PREMATURE BIRTH

PREGNANT women with gum disease are three times more likely to have a baby that’s premature or has a low birth weight.

Dr Atkins says: “Gum disease may raise the levels of the chemicals that bring on labour.

“Research also suggests that women whose gum disease gets worse during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.”