You already know your oral health is essential. You’ve likely been hearing it from your dentist since you were a child. But do you understand why your oral health is so important? Your oral health goes well beyond just having clean teeth. Poor oral health can take its toll on your entire body, causing a whole host of problems, some of them permanent and even deadly.
If you’re wondering why oral health care is so critical, keep reading as we reveal some of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) dangers of poor oral health.
You may have heard of gum disease before, but maybe you don’t know how easy it is to develop. Neglecting your oral hygiene can cause gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding gums and even tooth loss.
Another problem you may encounter with poor oral health is tooth decay. Tooth decay can, in turn, cause cavities and toothaches, which could require fillings or tooth extractions.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can occur when you neglect your oral health. A buildup of plaque, bacteria and food particles in the mouth can cause bad breath. Bad breath can be embarrassing and even affect how you taste certain foods.
When you neglect your oral health, you are at risk for developing oral infections such as abscesses. Abscesses are painful infections that could require antibiotics or dental procedures to treat.
Another painful side effect of poor oral health is tooth sensitivity. This can occur when your gums recede, allowing hot and cold foods and beverages to easily reach the sensitive roots of your teeth.
There are many ways poor oral health can cause systemic health issues, such as chronic inflammation, which can affect the gums and the rest of the body.
Poor nutrition can be both a cause and a side effect of poor oral health. When we don’t care for our oral health, it can cause pain, which makes it difficult to chew food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, unhealthy weight loss and many other health problems throughout the body.
Poor oral health can increase feelings of low self-esteem, social anxiety and diminished quality of life, especially if your teeth look discolored or damaged due to lack of hygiene.
Unfortunately, it can be very costly to repair damaged teeth and infected gums. The worse the problems, the more expensive it gets. Thus, preventative maintenance like brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist are of extreme importance.
Tooth loss is one of the worst things that can happen to your oral health. It can affect your self-esteem, how you chew and even your ability to speak.
Studies have shown that oral bacteria are often present in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, leading researchers to believe that poor oral health can cause or contribute to this disease.
Inflammation due to poor oral health can raise blood sugar and cause or worsen diabetes.
Dangerous oral bacteria have been shown to cause liver cancer and also worsen many other liver conditions.
Studies have shown that if you inhale oral bacteria, it can cause infection in your lungs. It can also worsen lung conditions such as pneumonia.
Heart disease and stroke can both be fatal. They can also be caused by poor oral health due to the inflammation from oral bacteria.
While sometimes these conditions cannot be prevented, it is best to care for your oral health to reduce your risk. This means you must brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, floss between each tooth at least once per day, and attend regular oral health exams at Breathe Modern Dentistry.
If you are experiencing any oral health issues or any of the above illnesses, please reach out to Breathe Modern Dentistry for an evaluation today. Remember, the longer you neglect your oral health, the worse your problems can become.
To schedule an appointment at Breathe Modern Dentistry, please contact the office today.