It’s no secret that taking care of your teeth is important. Everyone knows that you should brush and floss every day, and see a dentist regularly. But what a lot of people don’t know is that not taking care of your teeth can lead to some serious health problems. In this blog post, we will list the hidden dangers of not taking care of your teeth, as well as tips on how to properly take care of them.
Obvious Dangers
Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque houses bacteria, which produce acids that eat away at the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities. Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum Disease: Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and the deterioration of the jaw bone. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, which irritates the gums and causes them to become inflamed.
Bad Breath: Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that smell bad. Oftentimes, bad breath occurs when there is excess bacteria in the mouth, however it can also occur for other reasons.
Low Self-Esteem: People with dental problems often have low self-esteem, especially if they are embarrassed about teeth that are stained, decayed, or missing. This can lead to social isolation and depression.
Hidden Dangers
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria. When there is excess bacteria in the mouth, these bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, enter your lungs, and cause an infection.
Diabetes: Excess bacteria in the mouth can also cause inflammation throughout the body, which can affect how the body processes sugar. As a result, people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes. Additionally, people with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease because they have a higher level of sugar in their saliva. This sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque, which can cause gum disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can be caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. This can increase the risk of developing RA and it can make existing RA symptoms more severe.
Heart Disease: Heart disease can be caused by excess bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and attach to the arteries, causing inflammation that can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. This, of course, increases the risk of heart attack.
Tips for Proper Oral Care
Minimizing the amount of bacteria in your mouth is important to maintaining your oral and overall health. Here are some tips for proper oral care:
-Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
-Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth.
-See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
-Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary snacks.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have listed the hidden dangers of not taking care of your teeth. We hope that this has inspired you to take better care of your oral health! Remember to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. And most importantly, don’t forget to smile!
