There are many health issues caused by having bad oral health. The most common problems are tooth decay, gum disease and loose teeth. Tooth decay is often the cause of serious problems such as tooth loss, sensitive teeth and jaw pain. Gum disease causes bad breath and bleeding gums, which can lead to infection in other parts of the mouth. Loose teeth can become painful for their owner due to sensitivity in the jawbone and nerves. Poor oral hygiene contributes to tooth decay but also to gum disease and loose teeth.
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than a cure,” and when it comes to your oral health, this couldn’t be more true. In this article, learn what happens when you don’t brush your teeth on a daily or regular basis, why brushing is so important in maintaining good dental hygiene, and some quick tips for making the most of your tooth-brush time!
Gum disease
Gum disease causes many different symptoms in your mouth, including: • Periodontitis • Sensitivity to cold and heat • Irritation • Bad breath • Tenderness Pain or discomfort in your gums > This can cause you to have a lack of saliva which leads you to feel more pain when eating. It can also cause the loss of strength in your jaw muscles. If left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss and possible tooth decay. The first thing a dentist wants is for you to visit them as soon as you start experiencing these symptoms so they can catch any issues before they become worse!
Tooth Decay
Brushing your teeth has been shown to reduce tooth decay by up to 50%. There is not a lot of solid research backing the evidence that brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities, but some studies have found that communities with fluoride in their water do have significantly fewer cavities than those without. Also, fluoride works really well when you are starting out and are trying to improve your oral hygiene.
Oral health and heart disease
There is a direct link between heart disease and dental health in that unhealthy teeth can contribute to the development of coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.
As an example, there was a study performed on 17 countries in Europe where over 6 million people participated and it was found that individuals with the least amount of dental decay have the lowest levels of mortality. The findings showed that:
1. Individuals with less than 8 cavities had a life expectancy four years shorter than those who had less than 4 cavities.
2. Those who had no periodontal disease lived six years longer than their healthy counterparts, while those without gum disease lived 16 years longer compared to those with more severe periodontal disease.
Dementia & Diabetes – How Are They Related To Dental Hygiene?
In a 2015 study conducted by specialists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, dementia and diabetes were observed as conditions that are linked to poor oral hygiene. The patients observed in this study had been consistently observed for over thirty years. Somewhere around 25% of those observed had been diagnosed with diabetes within five years of tooth decay or periodontal issues appearing.
Key Takeaways
Too much sugar eats up our tooth enamel and can eventually cause cavities. Not flossing properly increases the buildup of plaque and can even cause an infection from bacteria which spread from your mouth into your gums. Lastly, not brushing twice a day for two minutes will increase the amount of protein in your saliva which will contribute to tartar buildup.
Maintaining your dental health can have positive effects on other aspects of your life. Going to the dentist is too often put off until the last possible minute. Statistics show that more adults are neglected their dentist visits. The situation becomes dire for these people who are not taking care of their oral health until they experience excruciating pain. So, if you’re one of the dentally neglected, it’s time to take action! Visit your Los Gatos dentist today .
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