Your oral health is a crucial part of your overall wellness, and neglecting to take proper care of your teeth and gums can lead to nasty infections that lead to devastating consequences. Fortunately, your dentist will be happy to help you avoid these problems if you see them twice a year for routine exams and cleanings. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the overall health problems bad oral care can lead to and how you can prevent them.
Tooth Loss Can Cause Much Discomfort
Tooth loss can result from factors like age, poor oral hygiene, and mouth injuries, and the loss of even a single tooth can lead to serious consequences for your oral and overall health. Missing teeth leave the gums vulnerable to injury and lead to jawbone atrophy that causes the remaining pearly whites to drift out of alignment. This problem can also make it harder to chew properly and enjoy the nutritious and diverse diet the body needs to stay healthy, which can lead to indigestion and malnutrition.
Oral Infections Can Be Dangerous
Oral ailments such as cavities and periodontitis will not get better without the help of a skilled dental health profession, and allowing these infections to fester can lead to devastating consequences for the rest of the body. Research strongly suggests that an untreated oral infection can lead to dangerous secondary infections like sepsis and pneumonia. This means an unaddressed toothache may lead to a life-threating illness that requires a trip to the emergency room.
Not Smiling Can Lead to Depression
Oral health issues like tooth loss, gum recession, and untreated tooth decay can leave visible marks on a person’s smile that make it hard for them to grin proudly at work or friendly gatherings. This can make it difficult to engage socially, win friends, and leave favorable first impressions that lead to exciting career opportunities, which can set people up for feelings of loneliness or low self-esteem that increase their risk of depression.
Don’t let poor oral care habits lead to nasty consequences for your overall health. Consulting with a dentist can help you understand how to keep your teeth in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Tadros earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and keeps his skills sharp by regularly participating in continuing education coursework. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Dallas offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. To schedule your next dental checkup, contact his office online or dial (469) 917-7444.