Good dental health is so essential for your overall well-being. If ignored, poor dental hygiene will lead to a cascade of multiple problems both oral and systemic, acute and chronic. These can become very serious and very expensive, and go way beyond just an ordinary toothache.
Here are some of the dangers associated with bad dental health and why you need to adopt a proper oral hygiene regimen today.
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities
One of the most common consequences of poor dental health is tooth decay and cavities. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, they produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. And once you lose your permanent teeth, new ones won't grow back. It's implants or dentures. Expensive! A little preventative care to remove plaque, tartar, and food remnants goes a long way.
2. Gum Disease
Bad dental health can also lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease starts with gingivitis, which causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Toothbrushing, whilst better than nothing, is not as effective as flossing for cleaning between your teeth.
3. Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene can result in persistent bad breath. When food particles and bacteria accumulate in your mouth, they can release foul-smelling gases. This can be embarrassing and negatively impact your personal and professional life. Easily solved by, you guessed it, a good dental care regimen including regular brushing, flossing, and tartar removal.
4. Cardiovascular Problems
Research suggests that there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Oral hygiene is even more important to ensure your good overall health.
5. Diabetes Complications
People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and untreated gum disease can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. The two conditions have a bidirectional relationship, with each one affecting the other negatively. It can become a vicious spiral that needs to be stopped in its tracks.
6. Respiratory Infections
Poor dental health can also increase the risk of respiratory infections. The bacteria in your mouth can be inhaled into your lungs, leading to infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies
When you have dental problems, it can be difficult to chew properly, leading to dietary restrictions. Inadequate chewing can result in poor digestion and nutritional deficiencies over time.
8. Impact on Mental and Emotional Health
Lastly, having bad dental health can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Dental issues can cause pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and social withdrawal, leading to anxiety, depression, and a decrease in overall quality of life.
Takeaway: You Need to Improve Your Oral Hygiene Today
Improving your oral hygiene and dental health can have far-reaching benefits on your overall general health - physical, mental, and emotional. Not to mention your financial health as well. Visits to the dentist are becoming costlier, fewer companies offer dental benefits, and it's nerve-wracking to even go for a checkup.
So please, start today and take better care of your dental health to avoid unnecessary pain and cost. Take a few extra minutes a day to brush better, floss regularly, and adopt a healthy dental mindset. The steps you take today will have real lasting benefits and save you money for the rest of your life.
