People who don’t take good care of their oral health are vulnerable to cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease. Many don’t realize it, but tooth decay actually is considered a disease and not just an incident a dentist can resolve by filling the hole with metal or plastic. First, a dentist with a Dental Clinic in Mt Pleasant, SC must drill out the decay, or it will probably spread to other teeth or cause infection.
Inflammation
Oral health problems can also affect the rest of the body in various ways. Even the earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes a certain level of chronic inflammation in the body. As gum disease progresses to a more severe stage, it is increasingly physically stressful, especially to the cardiovascular system.
Bacteria
In addition to the inflammation, bacteria from the diseased gums enter the bloodstream and cause further stress. That bacteria also can make the person more vulnerable to respiratory infections, including pneumonia. A dentist with a Dental Clinic in Mt Pleasant, SC effectively treats gum disease.
Bad Breath and Tooth Pain
Individuals who don’t take care of their teeth and gums must deal with other effects. They tend to have bad breath, which makes others not want to get close to them and can have a negative impact on romantic relationships. Their teeth may begin to hurt, a problem that is worsened when they eat hard or chewy foods. That limits the number of foods they can eat and, thus, the enjoyment they get from eating.
Essential Steps
Someone who hasn’t been giving proper attention to his or her oral health might start an immediate change by brushing two or three times each day and flossing every day. Flossing can help reverse minor gum disease, as it strengthens the gums and removes rotting food particles that are causing irritation through bacteria production. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and prevents a buildup of plaque that hardens into tartar.
The next step should be setting an appointment with a clinic such as Solomon Family Dentistry for professional teeth cleaning and exam. Click here to take that step toward better health.
