Not Just Cavities! Your Poor Dental Care Can Lead To Oral Cancer, Gum Disease And More

Your oral health is a root to your overall well-being, and neglecting it can lead to serious health issues beyond just cavities

This World Oral Health Day 2025 (March 20), let’s shed light on common diseases caused by poor oral hygiene, according to the World Health Organization (WHO):

Bad Breath (Halitosis): Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, resulting in persistent bad breath. This condition can be worsened by gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, and certain foods

Periodontal (Gum) Disease: When plaque builds up on teeth, it causes inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to periodontal disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, receding gum lines, and loose teeth

Edentulism (Total Tooth Loss): Severe tooth decay, untreated gum infections, and poor nutrition can lead to the complete loss of teeth. Edentulism affects chewing ability, causes speech problems, alters facial structure, and significantly impacts quality of life

Oral Cancer: Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and HPV infection increase the risk of oral cancer. Symptoms include sores, lumps, or patches in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and persistent discomfort

Noma (Cancrum Oris): A severe bacterial infection often caused by malnutrition and poor oral hygiene, noma rapidly spreads through the mouth and face, leading to severe disfigurement and, if untreated, a high risk of mortality