Cavities Aren’t the Only Problems Caused by Poor Dental Care
We all want to take care of our teeth, but the unfortunate truth is that many people don’t take the steps necessary to do so They always have the best intentions, and perhaps they even make a plan and attempt to stick to it, but the truth is, many people are failing at what should be a simple, yet important, task.
Some people don’t think that proper brushing, flossing, and overall dental health is essential because the worst that can happen is a cavity, which they can get fixed at the dentist in a single afternoon. They treat it like it’s no more eventful than a haircut. Unfortunately, they couldn’t be more wrong.
Rather than get into the specifics as to of why a cavity isn’t something to be taken likely, what we’d like to address right now is the fact that there are other dental problems that can be caused by poor care. So if you’re not brushing or flossing your teeth and are thinking that a cavity or two is the worst thing you can experience, this article is definitely for you.
Bad Breath
Whether you’re on a date or simply going to work every day, having bad breath can spell bad news. This is something that doesn’t just affect you — it can affect everyone around you. At some point in our lives, there’s a good chance that we’ll work at a job or have a class where there’s that one person who is known for having bad breath. Of course, no one wants to say anything to him (or her). Instead, the person gets avoided or, even worse, snickered about behind their back. Making fun of someone is never a nice or honorable thing to do, but can you imagine approaching someone and telling the person he or she has bad breath? The embarrassment will be felt by both parties. The good news is that proper dental hygiene will solve most problems with bad breath. If not, then ask your dentist about it, because you could be suffering from gum disease or some other underlying issue.
Pregnancy Complications
Who would’ve thought that oral health was somehow linked to pregnancy complications? It may sound odd, but it’s true — studies that shown that poor oral health can lead to certain complications. The fears typically include premature birth and a low birth weight, but improper oral health of the mother can also put the infant at risk of tooth decay. You obviously don’t want to start a child’s life off in this way, so it’s important that an expectant mother be diligent when it comes to proper care of her teeth and gums. It’s also a good idea to schedule a dental visit in order to discuss extra steps that can be taken for even better protection for the baby.
Various Medical Issues
When you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, the inside of your mouth isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. Truth is, outside of your mouth has plenty to worry about as well. Poor oral and dental health have been linked to such problems as dementia, pneumonia, kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. Some of the precise links are unclear, so it’s best to be on the safe side by brushing and flossing on a regular basis to improve your overall dental and oral health.
Do you have cavities that need to be taken care of or any other possible dental problems? Dr. Bruce McArthur, DDS, is ready to help you take control of your dental and oral health by finding ways to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.