There are important benefits to having strong, healthy teeth. In addition to maintaining a good smile, practicing good oral hygiene prevents bad breath and more serious health issues such as diabetes and arthritis. Many studies have shown that oral bacteria can spread to your heart and cause a stroke. Perhaps you are struggling to maintain good oral hygiene. Here’s a look at some of the common issues that may arise as a result of poor oral hygiene.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is one of the most common results of poor oral hygiene. Stats show that at least one in five Americans has one or more untreated cavities. While tooth decay is somewhat inevitable, poor oral hygiene can speed up the process by several years. The erosion starts when plaque forms on a tooth’s surface. The plaque develops from acid buildup due to the sugar included in the food. The acid eats at the enamel, causing exterior damage. The acid then starts causing interior damage beneath the enamel. Teeth erosion has multiple consequences. In addition to cavities, you may start experiencing toothaches when you consume different foods and drink. You could also experience brown stains on your teeth and bad breath. If you believe that your teeth are showing signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately. They may recommend dentures, fillings, or a root canal to prevent further issues.
Gum Disease
Gum disease may occur due to plaque buildup. The infection starts when your gums become red and start bleeding easily. Your teeth may become sensitive as well. It’s important to visit the dentist regularly to prevent further issues. Your gum disease may become worse if left untreated. You could start losing teeth due to permanent bone and tissue damage. Severe gum disease may also cause inflammation throughout your body.
Tooth Sensitivity
As previously noted, poor oral hygiene may cause your teeth to become sensitive. Once the plaque damages the enamel, your nerves are exposed. Hot and cold food and drinks have the ability to damage the nerves, causing pain. The throbbing pain may make it hard for you to sleep, work, and perform other daily tasks. There are special types of toothpaste and mouthwash available to treat sensitive teeth. It’s recommended that you visit your dentists as soon as possible so that they can administer fluoride treatment to soothe your sensitive teeth. Scheduling regular appointments with your dentist are so important. The CDC notes that 3% of young people between 12 and 19 have never visited the dentist. This is a major mistake.
Root Damage
Pool oral hygiene may cause the root of your tooth to become infected. The tissues become inflamed, and an abscess develops in most cases. If you continue to experience tooth pain, that’s a sign that your roots are infected. Another sign of infected roots is a swollen face. The solution to this issue is almost certainly a root canal. While undergoing a root canal is scary to most people, these procedures are generally performed with minimal pain. The dentist will provide an anesthetic to make sure that you are comfortable.
Cotton Mouth
Cotton mouth is a natural occurrence sometimes; consistent cotton mouth is a sign of poor hygiene. In addition to brushing your teeth regularly, try to keep your mouth lubricated throughout the day by drinking water. Also, try to reduce your sweets and caffeine intake.
Cracked Teeth
Poor oral hygiene may cause some of your teeth to become cracked or broken. Eating chewy foods or grinding your teeth may cause a crack. Having a cracked tooth may cause severe pain depending on the placement. Your dentist may fix the issue by installing a veneer or filling.
If you are dealing with oral health issues, start brushing your teeth multiple times a day. Research shows that one in four adults does not brush their teeth multiple times a day, including a large segment of men. Flossing a few times per week is also recommended.