Looking after your oral health is one of the important daily-life responsibilities. Just like getting dressed in the morning, looking after teeth is also a social necessity. When you don’t care of your teeth, you’re not only putting your oral health at risk, but you’re also inviting a variety of other health issues and complications that extend further than the mouth.
If you’re not taking care of your teeth with positive oral habits, your teeth will become exposed to a variety of bacteria that can degrade your smile.
We explain some of the common serious health problems caused by bad oral health.
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
Plaque regularly builds up on teeth, and the purpose of brushing and flossing teeth daily is to prevent bacteria. When your mouth becomes exposed to bacteria, your tooth enamel will also become exposed, degrading your smile. You’re also in danger of experiencing cavity and if untreated can lead to infection to the tooth, causing tooth abscess and a hole in the centre of the tooth. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are two solutions to keep your mouth clean from plaque.
Cardiovascular Disease
When the gums become inflamed from bacteria build-up, this is a sign of periodontal disease. At this point, the bacteria can also penetrate in the bloodstream and your arteries. When the plaque hardens in your arteries, your blood flow begins to slow causing heart blockages. This increases chances of having a heart attack and strokes. All of this can be avoided by simply brushing and flossing your teeth daily and keeping your teeth clean from plaque.
Oral Cancer
Poor oral health habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can lead to oral cancer. Oral cancer is where a tumour develops within the mouth. This can be life threatening if not treated early. This increases the importance of regular dental check-ups because as part of your oral examination, the dentist checks for signs of oral cancer before any scale and polish treatment takes place. What are the signs of oral cancer? Find out here.
Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of this. The condition occurs when food particles remain on teeth after meals which causes the increased smell or known as odorous bacteria. This will happen the less you brush and floss your teeth. The food particles become harmful causing bacteria build-up and consequently, other harmful health concerns.
Dementia
Surprisingly, studies have shown that poor oral health can actually lead to dementia. The substances that occur from poor oral health can lead to irritation of the gingiva, also known as gingivitis. The gum around the base of your teeth become inflamed and swollen. Surprisingly it is proven to kill brain cells and cause memory loss.
Summary
The mouth is one of the most important parts of the human body, and many health dangers stem from neglecting it through bad oral health practices and a lack of care. Avoiding these health risks simply requires you to brush and floss regularly whilst watching your food intake. Whilst it may seem difficult because you’ll be required to reduce eating some of your favourite sugary treats, you’re only doing further damage to your smile if you don’t. In most instances, it can become too late to resolve if you’re not taking extra care of your teeth.
Are you in need of a dental check-up? Contact us today and let us help you get in touch with your local dentist.
