How Poor Mouth Care Can Hurt Your Whole Body
The Big Problem: Bad Teeth Can Make Your Body Sick
Did you know that not brushing your teeth can make your heart sick? It's true! When we don't take care of our mouth, it can hurt more than just our teeth. The germs in our mouth can go to other parts of our body and make us sick.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that many people all over the world have mouth problems. These problems can make other parts of our body sick too.
How Your Mouth Can Make Your Body Sick: The Facts
Your Mouth is a Door for Bad Germs
Think of your mouth as a door. If you don't keep it clean, bad germs can go in. These germs can get into your blood and go all over your body. This can make you very sick.
When these bad germs get into your blood, they can cause swelling in your body. This swelling can make you sick. The germs have names like Porphyromonas gingivalis. They are very tiny but can cause big problems.
Check out these dental tools that can help keep your mouth clean and stop bad germs.
How Germs Travel in Your Body
Here's how the bad germs can hurt you:
- They start in your mouth when you don't brush
- They get into tiny cuts in your gums
- They travel in your blood to other parts
- They cause swelling and pain in those places
- This can make you very sick over time
5 Big Health Problems That Come From a Dirty Mouth
1. Heart Problems and Stroke
Bad gums can make your heart sick! People who don't take care of their teeth are 30% more likely to have heart problems. This is very scary
The germs from your mouth can make the tubes that carry blood to your heart get hard and stiff. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
2. Diabetes Problems
Did you know that 95% of adults with diabetes also have gum disease? It's true! If you have diabetes and don't brush your teeth, it can make your blood sugar go up. This makes diabetes even worse.
If you have diabetes, you need to take extra good care of your teeth. Good dental care can help keep your diabetes under control.
3. Breathing Problems
If you don't brush your teeth, the germs in your mouth can go into your lungs when you breathe. This can give you pneumonia. Old people who don't clean their mouth have a 65% higher chance of getting pneumonia
4. Baby Problems for Pregnant Women
If you are going to have a baby, you need to brush your teeth! Pregnant women with bad gums are 2-7 times more likely to have their baby come too early. They might also have a baby that is too small.
The germs from mom's mouth can cause problems that make the baby come before it's ready.
5. Memory Problems and Alzheimer's
Did you know that bad germs from your mouth can go to your brain? Scientists found that 96% of people with Alzheimer's disease had these mouth germs in their brains! These germs can make your brain swell up and not work right.
Warning Signs: How to Know If Your Mouth Is Making You Sick
Look for these signs that your mouth might be making you sick:
- Gums that bleed when you brush
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Loose teeth or teeth that fall out
- Dry mouth all the time
- Sores in your mouth that don't heal
If you see these signs, you should see a dentist right away. A good dental check-up can find problems early.

Who Is Most Likely to Get Sick From a Bad Mouth?
Some people need to be extra careful about their mouth:
Who Is At Risk | Why They Are At Risk | What They Should Do |
---|---|---|
People with diabetes | Gum disease makes diabetes worse | Brush twice a day and see the dentist often |
Pregnant women | Gum disease can hurt the baby | Get teeth cleaned before and during pregnancy |
Old people | May forget to brush or have dry mouth | Get help with brushing if needed |
People with weak immune systems | Can't fight germs well | Need extra good mouth care |
People with no dentist | Don't get help for problems | Find a free clinic if needed |
How to Keep Your Mouth Clean to Stop These Problems
Daily Things You Can Do
- Brush your teeth two times every day
- Use string (floss) to clean between teeth
- Use fluoride toothpaste to make teeth strong
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill germs
- Drink lots of water to keep your mouth wet
See a Dentist for Help
You should see a dentist two times every year. The dentist will:
- Clean your teeth better than you can at home
- Find small problems before they get big
- Fix any holes or broken teeth
- Check for mouth cancer or other bad things
- Give you tips to take care of your mouth better
Eat Good Food for a Healthy Mouth
What you eat can help your mouth stay healthy:
- Eat lots of fruits and veggies
- Don't eat too much sugar
- Don't drink soda or sweet drinks
- Don't smoke
- Don't drink too much alcohol
Talk to Your Doctors About Your Mouth
Both your dentist and your regular doctor need to know about your mouth health. Here are some questions to ask:
- "Could my mouth be causing my other health problems?"
- "Should I see the dentist more often because of my health issues?"
- "What can I do at home to keep my mouth more healthy?"
It's best when your dentist and regular doctor talk to each other about your health. This is called interdisciplinary care. It helps both doctors take better care of you.
Real Stories of People Who Got Better
Tom's Heart Got Better
Tom had heart disease. His doctor found out he had very bad gums. After Tom got his teeth fixed and started brushing better, his heart tests got better too
Maria's Diabetes Improved
Maria couldn't control her diabetes even with medicine. Her doctor sent her to a dentist who fixed her gum disease. After that, her blood sugar levels got much better, and she needed less medicine
What You Can Do Today
You can start taking care of your mouth right now to keep your whole body healthy. Here's what to do:
- Brush your teeth right after you read this
- Buy a new toothbrush if yours is old
- Make an appointment with a dentist
- Tell someone else what you learned about mouth health
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks
Remember: A clean mouth means a healthier body!
In Simple Words
Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. When germs grow in your mouth, they can go to other parts and make you sick. Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having a nice smile – it's about keeping your whole body healthy!
By brushing, flossing, seeing the dentist, and eating good food, you can help stop many health problems. Your heart, lungs, brain, and even a baby in your tummy can all be healthier when your mouth is clean.
So pick up that toothbrush! Your whole body will thank you.