It is not healthy to neglect your teeth. A beautiful smile means a healthy body. This is why it is very important to understand the effects of tooth decay to health.
Most people are not familiar with the connection between oral health and dental health. Our mouth is full of bacteria. Although these bacteria are in their healthy flora, which makes them harmless, lack of oral care can lead to problems. In time, the bacteria will multiply inside your mouth and bind with sugars in food, making them acidic. Then, these acids will start attacking your teeth. Without proper oral care, the acid attacks will result in tooth cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease that may eventually lead to an infection. Infections that result from bad oral hygiene are not only limited to the mouth. Some may cause harm to your whole body, as well.
It is not healthy to neglect your teeth. A beautiful smile means a healthy body. This is why it is very important to understand the effects of tooth decay to health.
What Is Tooth Decay: Signs, Effects & Treatments
Tooth decay or dental caries are diet-related diseases. It happens when you eat or drink food and beverages with high sugar or starch content. It sticks to your tooth and releases acid that attacks the tooth enamel.
When it progresses, dark spots appear on the tooth, which will eventually lead to a hole. Once this hole is formed, the bacteria will have easy access to the other parts of the body through the bloodstream. When the bacteria finally settles in the bloodstream, it can easily attack major organs. This is why tooth decays and other dental problems are linked to several health problems.
How Tooth Decay And Dental Problems Affect Our Overall Health
A study from the American Heart Foundation revealed that teeth plaques could lead to heart disease. like Asthma, It increases your risk of stroke or a heart hart. Plaques do not only accumulate on teeth, but it also blocks the arteries of the heart when it gets into the bloodstream. Moreover, dental problems can lead to endocarditis.
Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Your gums become sensitive, so they tend to bleed easily. These provide an avenue for bacteria to quickly go through the bloodstream. Again, allowing them to travel to other organs of the body. When the bacteria reach the heart, it can infect the chambers and valves of the heart , which could also lead to endocarditis.
Periodontitis is lethal for people with diabetes. The inflamed gums will pull away from the teeth forming gaps, and making it vulnerable to infection. Moreover, periodontitis lowers the efficiency of insulin. The insulin becomes challenging to absorb, leading to high blood sugar levels. When diabetic patients have high blood sugar, it makes the infection worse. Thus, people with diabetes need to maintain proper oral and dental care.
Other than these health conditions, people living with HIV who have poor oral health are at high risk for infection. Complications from these infections are lethal for people with HIV. They have a weakened immune system. Moreover, their treatment causes dry mouth and reduced saliva production. Thus, they need to safeguard their oral and dental health at all times.
Our mouth is a possible portal of entry for bacteria and viruses. Do not underestimate the connection between oral health and general health. Thus, excellent oral and dental health is a crucial measure to lower the risk of dental problems and other health issues.
It is easy to prevent these risks from developing. However, if the dental problem has already occurred, seek help from New York Holistic Dentist to prevent any further complications.
Tooth Decay Treatment
How to treat tooth decay? When you notice early tooth decay, you have to go to your trusted dentist. Tooth decays at an early stage are reversible. A change in diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride treatment at your dentist can help the process faster. Regular visits to the dentist at least every six months is recommended to detect early stages of tooth decay.
Neglecting the symptoms of early tooth decay may lead to hole formation on your tooth. At this stage, fluoride treatment cannot help. You need a filling. The damaged part of the tooth will be removed, and the dentist will place a filling material to repair the tooth. Nevertheless, it is also vital to have the tooth filling done early to prevent the bacteria from damaging the center of the tooth.
However, tooth filling does not stop tooth decay from other teeth or around the new filling. When the decay progresses, your tooth will be sensitive to sweet, cold, or hot food and beverage. Toothache and sensitivity bring so much discomfort. It is best to consult the dentist for possible treatment with that type of decay.
But, it is best to prevent tooth decays with oral and dental care.
Helpful Ways to Prevent Tooth Decays
Excellent oral and dental care can prevent further tooth decays or the occurrence of other oral diseases. You can ask your dentist for ways to prevent tooth decay. Here are some helpful ways to prevent dental problems:
Brush And Rinse Your Teeth After Every Meal
It is ideal for brushing and having a mouth rinse with fluoride after every meal. Moreover, do not forget to clean the spaces between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner. It helps you prevent developing plaques and cavities around your teeth.
Have Regular Visits To The Dentist
Regularly visit your dentist every six months for dental cleanings or to prevent teeth decay. Checkups will help the dentist identify dental problems whenever they occur. By this, preventions and new solutions are given. Some dentists will recommend you for fluoride treatments if they notice you are not getting enough fluoride, and you have a high risk for tooth decays.
Use Dental Sealants
You may also consider having dental sealants for your teeth. Dental sealants are a protective plastic coating that is placed on the chewing surface of the back teeth. The crannies and grooves of the teeth are sealed off, protecting the tooth from collecting food debris, plaques, and acid. Dental sealants are recommended for school-aged children. It needs regular checkups, but it can last several years until it is ready for replacement.
Follow A Healthy Diet
Some food and beverages provide nutrition for your teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for dental care. It increases the flow of saliva, preventing food particles from sticking to your teeth. Sugar-free coffee, teeth, and gums also help remove food particles on teeth. Moreover, it is best to avoid foods that easily attach to teeth.
Conclusion:
We are all at risk for dental problems. However, it is easily preventable. Aside from brushing and flossing after meals, a regular visit to the dentist prevents dental problems. Do not wait for mouth pains or toothaches to see a dentist. Remember, dental issues are connected to your overall health that is why you should take good care of your mouth.