While brushing your teeth can help prevent cavities and keep your teeth looking white and shiny, it can also prevent you from getting sick. People develop their dental hygiene habits at a young age, meaning both adults and children are at risk for health issues if they do not take proper care of their teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay, which can lead to future problems.
Because your oral hygiene impacts your overall health so significantly, it’s essential to see a dentist and solve any dental problems as soon as possible. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our team always puts your health and safety first. We understand the dentist can be an intimidating experience, so we use updated technology and methodologies in our relaxing offices to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Our compassionate specialists keep your best interests in mind and support you every step of the way so that you have the knowledge and tools to protect your well-being.
How Can Poor Dental Hygiene Make You Sick?
As you eat, drink, breathe, and talk throughout the day, your mouth continually houses hundreds of types of bacteria. While some of these bacteria help protect your mouth, others can feed on the sugar and starches in your teeth and produce acid that wears away at your enamel, which may result in tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay could lead to other oral health issues and cause other problems throughout the rest of your body.
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, this harmful bacteria could stay in your mouth and continue to wear away at your teeth and gums. This could cause you to swallow this bacteria and allow it to affect other parts of your body. Therefore, your mouth can be the gateway for a multitude of health issues, so it’s crucial to practice proper dental hygiene and teach children these habits to avoid tooth decay and long-term conditions.
5 Conditions Associated With Poor Dental Hygiene
We understand it can be difficult to practice healthy dental hygiene with your busy schedule. However, neglecting your teeth and gums could make you more susceptible to the following conditions:
- Diabetes: Those with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease. Poor dental hygiene may increase your chance of having insulin resistance and diabetes due to the inflammation these habits cause.
- Coronary artery disease: People with poor dental hygiene are vulnerable to gum disease, which could lead to coronary artery disease. This may occur due to bacteria entering your bloodstream and causing inflammation, which could also lead to clotting.
- Pneumonia: If you do not routinely brush and floss your teeth, the bacteria that build up in your mouth could enter your lungs and cause pneumonia.
- Pregnancy complications: Expecting mothers with poor dental hygiene risk passing bacteria to the placenta, which could cause inflammation and make their child more susceptible to cavities, preterm birth, and lower birth weight.
- Dementia: Those with poor oral hygiene may be at a higher risk for dementia. This may be due to the bacteria from the mouth spreading to the brain through the cranial nerve and the bloodstream.
These conditions can have a life-long impact and affect your future. If you experience symptoms of tooth decay and seek guidance from a skilled professional, our high;y-trained specialists are here to help you treat your condition, regardless of severity.
Reach Out to a Skilled Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY
If you do not practice optimal dental hygiene, you may be nervous to see a dentist and hear their feedback about your oral health. Our caring team at Rockland Dental Specialists understands these worries and does everything we can to give you a stress-free experience. We implement the latest technology and solutions to prioritize your health and renew your confidence in your smile.
With over 24 years of experience in the industry, you can trust us to provide valuable guidance and create an effective treatment based on your condition and health history. We offer 24/7 availability so that you never feel alone and always have someone to answer your questions. Furthermore, we provide free insurance verifications and custom payment plans so you can receive treatment at an affordable price. To schedule a consultation, call (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form.
