We all know that poor dental health can lead to cavities. But did you know that other, more severe health problems can also ensue from poor oral hygiene? If you don't take proper care of your teeth regularly, you could face health issues not limited to some unsightly stains and simple toothaches.

The Connection Between Oral Health and General Health

Research shows that oral health has a more significant impact on your overall health than you may realize.

The mouth is brimming with bacteria — this is normal and even harmless. While your daily flossing and brushing routine can keep bacteria levels under control, a lack of oral care can lead to more serious health issues.

If the teeth aren't cleaned regularly, your mouth's bacteria can multiply and combine with sugars in foods to make acids. These acids can then attack the teeth, causing tooth decay, gum disease, cavities and periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause infections that spread to other parts of the body.

Can Mouth Bacteria Affect the Heart? 

Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth daily can lead to plaque buildup on the teeth, which can increase your risk for a heart attack. How? Plaque can get into the bloodstream and become stuck in one of the heart's arteries. This can lead to a heart attack or even stroke.

When colonies of bacteria build up in the mouth, they can also attack the gums and teeth and cause gingivitis, also called gum disease. Gum disease can cause the gums to bleed. When this happens, bacteria enter the bloodstream and can travel to other parts of the body.

If a colony reaches the heart, it can lead to endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart valves or lining.

Can Dental Problems Cause Other Health Issues?

Dental problems can lead to other health issues as well, including:

• Stroke
• Pneumonia
• Diabetes

Poor oral health can also put HIV patients at risk for infection and impact pregnancy. Evidence shows that periodontitis can put babies at risk of being born prematurely.

How Dental Implants, Dentures, Aligners or Retainers Impact Mouth Bacteria

If you have dental implants or dentures, or wear aligners or retainers, you are at a higher risk for increased mouth bacteria. EverSmile can help, with our family of products designed to kill 99.999% of bacteria in the mouth.

Since 2013, we've been committed to making it easy for all clear aligner patients to achieve bright, healthy, white teeth and fresh breath during their aligner treatment. With our advanced anionic hydrogen peroxide technology and patented method of application, aligner wearers can clean and whiten their aligners at home or while on-the-go.

Whether you wear aligners, braces, retainers, dentures, implants, crowns or bridges, EverSmile has the on-the-go cleaning and teeth whitening solutions for you.

Decrease Mouth Bacteria With Cleaning Products From EverSmile

Keeping your teeth clean and combating mouth bacteria is especially important if you wear aligners. Our team at EverSmile recommends cleaning your aligners twice a day for optimal oral health. EverSmile® WhiteFoam™ kills 99.999% of bacteria within 60 seconds, leaving you with fresh breath and healthy teeth, no matter where you are.

Shop our cleaning products today and take a step toward improving your oral and overall health.