Did you know that improper dental care has been linked to poorer physical and mental health across the board? It’s a reality that hits hard for many as it’s all too easy for people to underestimate just how vital our oral health is to our overall well-being, but those pearly whites are just as important as any other part of our body. Your oral health can impact the health of your heart, lungs, brain, and more. Taking care of your teeth can improve your health and significantly boost your self-esteem, but unfortunately, neglecting routine dental care can have an equal and opposite effect.
Many people experience dental anxiety because they’ve had painful visits or uncomfortable procedures at the dentist’s office in the past, unfortunately. But, the risks of neglecting your oral health are concerning and shouldn’t be forgotten. Gum disease and tooth loss, cardiovascular issues and stroke, increased risk of dementia, and even low self-esteem are all health risks linked to neglecting your oral health. Here, we explore more about the risks associated with neglecting your dental care and empower yourself to make that overdue dentist appointment.
Oral Health Issues
You guessed it – improperly caring for your oral hygiene will, first and foremost, result in oral health issues and pain. The good news is that it’s never too late to get back on track and maintain your oral health. Regular visits with an epping family dentist will ensure your smile stays healthy and your risk of problems down the line diminishes.
Dental pain is often caused by sharp instruments on tooth decay or swollen gums, which usually stems from gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can be easily treated with regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to the dentist. Gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss if not properly cared for. Getting too comfortable with the bare minimum of dental care also increases your risk of oral cancers, particularly if you are a smoker.
Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Researchers have learned that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can narrow your blood vessels, which can ultimately lead to a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke. If you have a family or personal history of cardiovascular issues, it's especially necessary for you to keep an eye on your oral health. Signs that you may need to make an appointment for a routine dental check-up include bleeding gums, sore teeth, and loss of taste. Remember, gum disease is reversible, and giving your mouth some tender, loving care should help minimise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Increased Risk of Dementia
Gingivitis may be partially responsible for the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. A recent study found that the bacteria associated with gingivitis can travel from our mouths to our brains, where they release enzymes that destroy nerve cells. Once these nerve cells die, we are more likely to develop memory loss or dementia. Almost every person with Alzheimer’s examined in this study had an increased level of this enzyme in their brain. Good oral healthcare is the most potent weapon we have to prevent gingivitis from stealing our precious memories!
Reduce Your Confidence
According to mental health professionals, poor oral health can lead to decreased confidence and low self-esteem. Neglecting your dental care can lead to bad breath, discoloured teeth, or other noticeable dental problems and make you feel unattractive or embarrassed, leading you to hide your smile from the world. These feelings of insecurity can cause or exacerbate psychological issues and affect your quality of life.
Routine Dental Care
Regularly caring for our teeth can completely transform our health. But what exactly does routine dental care look like? You should be brushing your teeth at home at least twice a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush for an extra thorough clean. You should also aim to floss once daily to remove debris between your teeth. Tongue scrapers are also excellent to include in your routine because they help remove harmful bacteria from your mouth. Every 6-12 months, you should make an appointment with your dental care provider to stop any potential problems in their tracks and monitor your oral health. Seeing a specialist may be necessary based on your individual needs.
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In a nutshell, routine dental care is key to ensuring your overall health and well-being. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which can eventually cause tooth and bone loss. But oral health issues aren’t just isolated to your mouth – they can greatly impact your mental and physical health throughout the body. The bacteria from gum disease can narrow your blood vessels and lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. This harmful bacteria can also move to your brain and lead to memory loss or dementia and the effects of poor oral health can also manifest in ways that lower your confidence.
You have the power to mitigate these risks. Routinely caring for your teeth at home and with professional help can ensure your teeth stay healthy, along with the rest of you!
