Most people don’t know that having good oral hygiene is an essential part of being healthy, and that crooked teeth can worsen your oral health and therefore make you less healthy.
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The correlation stems from the fact that poor oral health can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for a lot of systemic diseases.
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Here are the top 11 health issues that the Cleveland Clinic has found are associated with poor oral health:
    

Decrease in lifespan

There’s a significant correlation between the number of teeth someone has and their overall lifespan.

People with healthy teeth and gums living up to 7-10 years longer than those who don’t.
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Pregnancy health

Gum disease during pregnancy is linked to preterm birth and low birth rate, because bacteria from gum disease can affect the developing fetus.
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Obesity

Gum disease is associated with obesity because inflammation from gum disease can contribute to metabolic changes that promote weight gain.
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Brain health

Poor oral health is associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Heart health

There’s a significantly higher risk of heart disease when someone has gum disease, because bacteria from your mouth can travel through your bloodstream.
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Cancer

Poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including liver, pancreatic, and oral cancer.
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Stroke

Poor oral health can increase the risk of developing a stroke.
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Lung health

Bacteria from gum disease can be aspirated into the lungs, leading to lung infections like pneumonia, which is most dangerous for the elderly population.
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Blood health

Poor oral health is assocated with higher blood pressure and worse control over hypertension.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis

There’s a significant link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Kidney health

People with gum disease are more likely to develop Chronic Kidney Disease.
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In a cultural shift toward improving health and wellness, it’s important to consider the impact that straight teeth has on your overall health and wellbeing. 
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More than a pretty smile, you’re investing in your health.