With the nation spending about $124 billion on dental care every year, dental hygiene is important and should be taken seriously. It can effect both the health of your mouth, the health of your whole body, and the health of your wallet.
Potential Consequences
The consequences of not caring for your teeth, tongue, and gums and ignoring your dental hygiene are grave. Like almost everything else on your body, you only get one mouth, so taking care of everything in it is better for you in the long run.
Many conditions can occur when there is a lack of care for our dental hygiene. From respiratory conditions, oral cancer, tooth decay, and many other symptoms, it is crucial to have a method to keep your oral health at top quality. Of course, there are times when nothing can be done to prevent harmful oral hygiene, but there are many things in this world that reinforce bad oral hygiene. For example, smoking cigarettes, consumption of foods with high sugar content such as soda and candy, biting your nails, eating unhealthy foods, and grinding teeth can all lead to adverse oral health.
Cavities
Tooth decay, a process where acids from bacteria and plaque break down the teeth, roots, and gums, is a widespread oral problem. It’s not just a minor problem- it’s one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting over 90% of adults at some point in their lives. This is often due to factors like inadequate flossing, consumption of sugary and starchy foods, and poor oral hygiene habits.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a direct result of poor oral hygiene practices. It’s characterized by inflammation and infection in the gums and bone surrounding the tooth. This condition can have serious implications, including a weakened immune system, diabetes, and other oral health issues.
Illnesses
Infections and diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can further worsen overall health, and the chances of getting these illnesses can be reduced by good oral hygine. Both pneumonia and bronchitis are caused and formed by viruses and bacteria, which gather in oral cavities. Regular dental care can kill of the bacteria in your mouth, and help lower your risk of infection.
Lack of oral care is not just about brushing and flossing teeth, but also about one’s habits. Due to the harmful contents that are in tobacco, while also being the primary source of many other health issues, it can also aid in the process of gum disease and oral cancer. Chewing tobacco and cigarettes can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and further needed surgeries to possibly remove the tooth or surgery of the gums and mouth.
Take Accountability for your Dental Hygiene
The possible consequences of not caring for your teeth, including cavities, gum diseases, and illness, can create many financial and oral health issues. That is why it is so important to make sure that you are eating a healthy diet, taking care of your teeth, and getting regular checkups at the dentist. To schedule a checkup, call Fairfax Dental today!
