Serious Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health
Serious Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health
Dental issues.
Your dentist will urge you to take care of your oral health, and most people agree without thinking too much about it.
Your dentist is right because oral health does not only affect your teeth and gums; it can have a myriad of other health consequences as well.
The mouth provides access for bacteria and other pathogens to reach the rest of the body, making oral health critical. Here are some of the serious issues not taking care of your oral health can cause.
One of the serious issues caused by poor oral health… Cavities
Also called tooth decay, cavities are caused by the breakdown of the enamel by acids in the mouth.
These acids are produced by different bacteria found in the plaque that accumulate if you do not take care of your oral health.
Foods high in carbohydrates and sugars are the worst offenders as they provide bacteria with what they need to create these acids. While preventable, tooth decay can become a chronic issue that requires management for a long time.
Also, tooth decay that goes untreated can lead to abscesses that can spread to other parts of the body and have severe consequences.
Another of the serious issues caused by poor oral health… Heart Disease and Stroke
Indeed, periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease that develops due to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. The more serious issue associated with the disease is an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
This happens when bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect the muscles of the heart while also causing a narrowing of the arteries.
The hardening and clogging that happens can be dangerous, with severe blockages of the carotid artery increasing the risk of strokes.
A further serious issue caused by poor oral health… Complications in Pregnancy
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can make moms susceptible to oral issues and infections.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are especially dangerous because they can cause low birth weight and even premature births.
It is therefore critical that moms practice good oral health when pregnant to protect themselves and their babies.
A final serious issue caused by poor oral health… Cancer
Extensive research has shown that plaque forms in people with poor oral health.
This can build pockets of different pathogens and agents that cause different types of cancer including throat and oral cancer.
Poor oral health also elevates the risk of other types of cancer including blood, kidney, and pancreatic cancers.
Final Thoughts: Prevention is Best
Practicing good oral health can help prevent these issues.
This includes brushing and flossing properly, at least twice a day. If you have issues causing difficulty cleaning teeth properly such as misaligned or crooked teeth, you can also opt for teeth straightening options like aligners.
If you are worried about how they look, you can get night aligners that you only wear at night. These will straighten your teeth as you sleep, and there are great options if you prefer aligners you wear overnight. These will help with teeth straightening and translate to better oral health overall.
Taking care of your oral health is about much more than keeping your teeth clean. Doing so can help you prevent serious complications that, however rare, can be fatal in certain circumstances.
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