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What Risks Do I Face if I Have Poor Dental Care?
As a dentist, I’ve seen the devastating impacts poor dental hygiene can have on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Many people underestimate the importance of properly caring for their teeth and gums. They assume, if they are not in pain, everything must be fine. But the– truth is, dental problems often develop gradually, and by the time you feel discomfort the issue may have already become serious.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
One, of the most common risks of neglecting your dental care is developing tooth decay and cavities. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food particles left on your teeth. Over time, this process leads to the formation of a sticky film called plaque. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be eliminated by a professional cleaning. As the bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel, cavities begin to form. Small cavities may not cause pain initially, but as the decay spreads deeper into the tooth the nerve can become exposed, leading to sensitivity and intense discomfort. Untreated cavities will, continue to grow eventually requiring extensive dental work like fillings crowns root canals or even extraction of the damaged tooth.
Gum Disease
Another, significant risk of poor oral hygiene is developing gum disease also known as periodontal disease. Gingivitis the early stage of gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline causing the gums to become red, swollen and prone to bleeding. Many people have gingivitis to some degree. If caught early, it is reversible with proper brushing flossing and regular cleanings. However, if left untreated gingivitis, can advance to periodontitis, a much more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets that trap food and bacteria. Over time, this infection damages the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Teeth may become loose and fall out. Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to various health problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Other Health Risks
The dangers of poor dental care extend beyond your mouth. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and travel to other parts of the body. Studies have shown connections between dental infections and a host of systemic illnesses, including respiratory diseases like pneumonia pregnancy complications and even certain cancers. Dental pain can also impact your quality of life. It may cause difficulty eating and speaking, affect your ability to sleep and lead to missed work or school. The shame and embarrassment of having unhealthy teeth can take a toll on your self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
The good news is that most dental problems are preventable with good oral hygiene habits and regular checkups. Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste floss every day eat a balanced diet and visit your dentist for cleanings and exams. Call our Los Angeles office for help today.
