Did you know that there are hidden dangers to not taking care of your teeth? It’s true! Tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath are just the beginning. Pneumonia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease are all linked to poor oral health. That’s why it is so important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the obvious and hidden dangers of not taking care of your teeth and how you can prevent them from happening to you.
Obvious Dangers:
Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can cause pain, sensitivity, and eventually lead to tooth loss. Tooth decay is caused by a combination of bacteria and sugar in your mouth. The bacteria eat the sugar and create acid, which erodes your tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities, tooth pain, and even tooth loss.
Gum Disease:
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can irritate and inflame your gums, which can lead to gum disease.
Bad Breath:
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. It can be embarrassing and make you feel self-conscious.
Low Self-Esteem:
Poor oral health can lead to stained teeth, bad breath, and missing teeth, all of which can contribute to low self-esteem. If you are embarrassed about your teeth, you may not want to smile or interact with others.
Hidden Dangers:
Pneumonia:
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be fatal. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. People with gum disease are more likely to develop pneumonia since bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs and cause an infection.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health problems. People with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes because gum disease causes the body to be in a constant state of inflammation. Conversely, people with diabetes are also more likely to develop gum disease since they tend to consume excess sugar that feeds the bacteria responsible for gum disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause joint pain and damage. People with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. This is because periodontal disease causes inflammation in the body, which can allow bacteria to pass from the mouth into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, this makes inflammation worse and can exacerbate the symptoms of RA.
Heart Disease:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease. This is because bacteria can travel from the mouth and into the bloodstream, where it can cause the arteries to become inflamed. Arterial inflammation can increase the risk of developing plaque deposits in the arteries, which then increases the risk of heart attack. In fact, many sources have noted a close relationship between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis.
Tips for Proper Oral Care
Now that you are aware of the dangers of not taking care of your teeth, here are some tips on how you can properly take care of them:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss daily, preferably at night before brushing your teeth.
- Visit your dentist at least once every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid/minimize sugary snacks.
- Quit smoking.
- Use mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Mouthwash with fluoride can also prevent tooth decay.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and to produce enough saliva.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the importance of oral health and the hidden dangers of not taking care of your teeth. We listed the obvious dangers: tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and low self-esteem. We then listed the hidden dangers: pneumonia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. Finally, we provided tips on how you can properly take care of your teeth.
By following these tips, you can help prevent the obvious and hidden dangers of not taking care of your teeth. Your oral health is important to your overall health, so make sure you are doing everything you can to take care of your teeth. Thanks for reading!