It cannot be understated how important your dental health is. Not only do we want to do what we can to preserve our ability to smile freely and comfortably, but there are other, serious health risks that can be tied to poor oral health. If you don’t take care of your teeth, you’re more prone to heart disease, strokes, life-threatening infections, and much more. As such, we’re going to look at the three most common and serious risks to your dental health, and what you should be doing to stop them now.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is incredibly common, to the point that a lot of people don’t know they have it until they see some blood in the sink when brushing. Usually, gum disease is caused by not having a proper oral care routine, which can cause them to become inflamed, change in color, and begin to recede. Bacteria can gather in these recessions, wearing away at the bones that connect the teeth. Brushing, rinsing, and flossing are all vital to fight the spread of gum disease, and routine in-chair cleanings from your dentist can help greatly, too. Choosing antibacterial mouthwash and anti-gum disease toothpaste can make your efforts more effective in general, too. This expert dentist in Manchester MO recommends flossing before you sleep to get rid of food particles between your teeth, which gives your teeth enough time to be free of any debris that causes plaque while you sleep. Untreated gum loss can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is what we call it when your enamel begins to erode due to the presence of acids on the teeth, often produced by bacteria. This bacteria often results from a lack of the necessary dental hygiene, and it can cause tooth discoloration, sensitivity of the teeth, and cavities that you need the help of a dentist to treat. Aside from routine treatment from your dentist, you can prevent tooth decay by ensuring a full oral hygiene routine, which your dentist can provide some advice on, as well as by avoiding sweet and acidic foods. You also want to avoid any foods that get stuck between the teeth for long, like potato chips.
Tooth Infections
Tooth infections, or root infections, usually happen as a result of letting the other problems named above get too serious, but they should be treated as a serious emergency. If you have serious tooth pain, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible If the root is infected, the tooth has to be removed or partially removed through a root canal. If you feel the symptoms of a fever alongside tooth pain, then it is a serious medical emergency, and you should proceed to the ER, instead, This is a sign that the infection has spread, and the help of a dentist alone is likely not going to be enough to help. Never, ever ignore tooth pain if it’s combined with nausea, swelling of the face, or shivers.
Some damage to your teeth, like decay and tooth loss, cannot be reversed. As such, it’s vital to invest the right time and care into what you can do to prevent the risks mentioned above, rather than trying to fight them after the fact.
