7 really weird ways bad teeth are destroying your body

It is absolutely essential that you treat your oral health just as you would your overall health.

Many people fail to brush and floss regularly, and more importantly, do not go to their yearly dentist checkups. If this is the case for you, this means you are unaware of the true damage you are doing to your body. There are a number of reasons for neglecting your oral health, but there are even more reasons why you shouldn't.

Understanding why proper oral hygiene is so important to your health will hopefully motivate you to take better care of your teeth and gums. Gum disease has the potential to pop up at any given time.

Here are 7 reasons why you simply cannot afford to neglect your oral health even a second longer:

1. Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke

People who have a periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease because of the narrowing of the arteries that causes plaque and bacteria to get into the blood stream through the mouth and gums.

This bacterium contains protein that promotes blood clots which can also clog the arteries while significantly increasing the risk for heart attack. This same bacteria has the ability to clog the artery that delivers blood to the brain which can cause you to have a stroke.

2. Risk of Dementia

Poor oral health and tooth loss increases your risk of suffering from memory loss at an early age.

Studies have shown that poor oral health can lead to a diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer's disease. If your gums become inflamed due to infection, this can also cause brain inflammation which could cause death of certain brain cells.

3. Respiratory Problems

Bacteria that is caused by periodontal disease has the ability to travel through the bloodstream and to your lungs where it can impact the respiratory system.

If you have already experienced respiratory problems in the past, then you have a greater chance of having further problems due to poor oral hygiene. If you have gum disease this also puts you at higher risk for pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.

4. Risk of Diabetes

95% of the individuals in the United States who have diabetes have also experienced severe periodontal disease that has led to tooth loss. This is because individuals who suffer from diabetes have a higher risk of infections. However, it is a two-way street: diabetes leads to gum disease and gum disease leads to diabetes.

5. Erectile Dysfunction

Men who suffer from periodontal disease are seven times more likely to also experience some sort of erectile dysfunction than men who practice excellent oral hygiene.

The bacteria caused by periodontal disease can travel into the bloodstream which inflames the blood vessels which blocks the flow of blood to the genitals.


6. Premature Birth

Many experts have stated that premature birth is caused by the overall health of the mother and her entire body. If she does not practice good oral hygiene and develops an infection in the mouth, this can travel to the unborn child which can lead to premature birth.

7. Cancer

A number of experts have confirmed that men who have gum disease were almost 50% more likely to develop kidney cancer and 30% were more likely to develop cancers of the blood. This makes it extremely important to see your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene.

If you are not taking care of your oral health, you could be causing severe damage to your body. Make sure that you get regular checkups from your dentist and continue practicing excellent oral health.

Examines solutions to community health problems

While many people think of staying well as an individual responsibility, where you live plays a huge role. Place and culture help determine social norms and access to affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, healthy food and places to exercise.



Benjamin said such solutions work for a few major reasons: "They're culturally sensitive. They're focused on the needs of people in the area. And they're designed to work where they are."

In September, USA TODAY and Cigna hosted a forum in Houston that focused more on challenges facing that part of the country and rural areas. Residents in the sprawling city talked about their health challenges, and barber Tre Sims discussed overcoming his. He's lost 100 pounds in the last three years by eating healthier and no longer suffers from high blood pressure. Now he picks up fruit at the convenience store near his work, instead of the junk food he used to eat. He can do that thanks to the Healthy Corner Store Network, a partnership between Go Healthy Houston and the community organization CAN DO Houston, which stands for Children and Neighbors Defeat Obesity.

The event, presented by USA TODAY and Cigna, runs from 9-11 a.m. at the Newseum in Washington. One panel will feature two public health thought leaders: Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association; and Richard Hamburg, deputy director of the Trust for America's Health. They will talk about keeping whole populations healthy and reducing health disparities, especially in urban areas.

Which Health Plan Should I Get?

This Q&A column addresses questions from real patients about health care costs. Have your own question? Get your answer here.


Question:

My company’s open enrollment period just started, and I have to choose a health insurance plan. Since I’m single and haven’t been to the doctor in years, I’ve always chosen the cheapest option, which offers low coverage. I’m getting older, though, and next year I’d like to take better care of myself, starting with a checkup, without going broke. How can I choose a health plan that’s right for me?

Answer:

First of all, congratulations on taking the initiative to improve your health! Making sure your health care is affordable is a great first step. Choosing the right insurance plan will be simpler for you than for many others because you don’t expect to need a lot of health care next year, but you may find you need more than you think.

For instance, during that first checkup, your doctor may want to order lab tests or refer you to a specialist based on your physical exam. And if you’re truly looking to make a commitment to better health, you may end up seeking out more care instead of toughing out what feel like minor illnesses or injuries.

Finding the right plan will be a balancing act, but I can help you evaluate plan options so you can find the right one for you.

7 ways to feel awesome while you're pregnant

Ladies, pregnancy is wonderful. But when morning sickness hits, your clothes start getting tight, and you eventually begin waddling, you'll be craving comfort worse than pickles. Keep in mind these things that help make the journey a bit more comfortable.

Get and wear clothes that fit

I know it feels like you need to try fitting into your regular clothes as long as possible during pregnancy. But this only causes feelings of uncomfortable chubbier-than-normal self-consciousness. The first time you slip on a pair of maternity pants, it's like an "I don't have buttons digging into my stomach all day anymore" miracle. You'll wonder why you didn't switch to these amazing, stretchy things earlier. Plus, preggo clothes offer some cute options — you may just have to look around. Leggings and long, stretchy shirts are comfortable options throughout pregnancy.

Put your feet up

Find some time throughout the day to rest and put your feet up. Taking some stress off of your tired legs can be a nice refresher. Read or take a short nap if you are able. Also, laying on your left side is preferable, as it is best for circulation.

Go to bed early, and use a body pillow

When you're pregnant and tired — which is like, always — you can feel a little zombie-esque. And uncomfortable sleep can be a regular occurrence during pregnancy. Try to go to bed at a decent time so you're getting more sleep. And get a body pillow (Seriously — you're welcome for that one).

Eat healthy, but give in to a craving once in a while

When you eat crappy, you feel crappy. The same happens while pregnant, but I think even more so, as bloating can be a common feeling due to the wee one already taking up room in your tummy. Try to eat healthy. But when donuts sound incredible, have one now and then to satisfy that craving. Also, be sure to drink a ton of water. Drinking enough water throughout your pregnancy is necessary for both you and your little one and comes along with many other benefits.

Slather on the lotion

Experts' opinions differ on whether regularly slathering up your stomach in lotion reduces stretch marks, but it's worth a try. And even if it doesn't, regularly putting lotion on — after a shower is a good time to remember and be consistent about it — will make your skin look and feel better, which is just an added bonus. Bio-oil is a good option for healthy, glowing skin and can be found at most major stores. (Tip: Check the prices on their websites before buying it -- they will usually price match if you find a lower price). Palmer's also offers some great pregnancy lotion options.

And remember, if you do get stretch marks, they are simply reminders of the beautiful little one your body was able to bring into this world — no shame in that whatsoever. Plus, they usually fade with time.

Exercise

Exercising will do wonders for your mood. A nice walk outside can be just what you need to get yourself feeling better. Just be sure to stay within the guidelines your doctor has given you. Check out these tips for exercising while pregnant.
Stretch

Again, don't overdo it -- but stretching feels awesome when you have crampy legs after being on your feet. Give these stretches a try for some much-needed relaxation.