If you become complacent about your dental hygiene, you could face holistic health repercussions. Dental hygiene is closely linked to your overall wellbeing, and when you fail to take care of your teeth, you could face health complications, including infection, stroke, or heart attack. Part of following good dental hygiene practices includes regular visits to your dental provider in or around Mt. Pleasant, too.
Risks Associated with Poor Dental Hygiene
The risks of poor dental hygiene include periodontal disease. While this is not uncommon- nearly half of American adults have it- the repercussions can extend to a wide range of serious and significant health conditions. Some are brought on by the infection and bacteria of advanced gum disease- talk to your dental provider to learn more!
Some of the health risks of poor dental health are:
- Bone deterioration or loss- experts report that there is a likely connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease among older patients
- Inflammation of blood vessels and subsequent swelling
- Hardening of the arteries
- High blood pressure, or hypertension
- Blood clots, which can be fatal
- Fertility problems
- Endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart from the bacteria in tooth decay
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, due to clogged arteries and blood clots
- Diabetes
- Certain kinds of cancer, including a connection between periodontal disease and pancreatic and/or oropharyngeal cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as experts study the link between gum disease and dementia
Individuals that are pregnant or taking hormones may be at an increased risk of periodontal disease due to the fluctuations in the body’s hormones. Women with advanced gum disease the give birth may have babies prematurely or with low birth weight, or that suffer from an infection of some kind. If you are pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN to find out more.
Good Dental Hygiene Tips
Did you know that good oral hygiene can also make your teeth less susceptible to sensitivity? It’s true- additionally, you are at far less risk for periodontal disease and the health issues that can subsequently ensue.
Some sound dental hygiene practices include these:
- Brush your teeth a couple times daily, after you eat or snack. At the very least, rinse your mouth well with water after food.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush that won’t damage your tooth enamel and replace it every couple of months.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Focus brushing in small circular motion along your gum line. This helps prevent the accumulation of plaque, which leads to gum disease.
See your dental provider at Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry, in Mt Pleasant, SC, twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. We are a family dental practice, and we want all our patients to know about good oral hygiene and care.
