Taking care of your teeth will protect you from a variety of health issues that can affect both your teeth and body. If you do not take care of your teeth, many issues can arise.
Damaging Effects to Your Teeth
When looking at what bad oral health can do to your teeth, standard cavities and tooth decay are among the initial problems caused by not brushing and flossing enough. These issues are caused by a buildup of plaque, as well as acid that reduces the protective enamel on your teeth. Over time, gum disease can develop. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes gums to bleed and swell. This can eventually lead to the spread of plaque and the onset of periodontal disease, which can cause tissues and bones in the mouth to be slowly destroyed. Tooth loss is possible, and bad breath is common.
Damaging Effects to Your Overall Health
Poor dental hygiene can also affect the health of your body in various ways. For instance, the risk of a stroke or heart disease increases among people with periodontal disease, due to the narrowing of arteries. The bacteria found with this disease are linked to clot development, which can be very damaging to a person’s health. Poor dental health can lead to memory loss and Alzheimer’s, as well as erectile dysfunction and diabetes. Respiratory issues are very common as well. One of the largest problems is the increased risk of a premature birth among pregnant women. This is caused from an infection in the mouth. Your risk of developing certain types of cancer also greatly increases.
Minimizing These Problems
To minimize these dental health issues, brush and floss twice daily. Do not smoke and try to stay away from sugary foods. Your dentist should be visited on a regular basis for routine cleanings to keep plaque from developing. If you suspect that you might be suffering from a severe oral health problem, emergency dentists are available to treat the issue.
