Poor oral health can occur due to various factors, especially poor oral hygiene. However, there can be other contributing factors as well. Some medications can impact our dental health, as can illness and dental phobia. Mobility problems can also play a role, impacting our ability to effectively perform dental hygiene practices such as flossing, brushing, and making it to regular dental visits. Regardless of the underlying reason, our oral health will suffer if we don’t properly care for our smile. The consequences may be minor at first, discoloration of our teeth and halitosis (bad breath), but they can become quite severe over time. You must get the support you need to maintain your oral health effectively. Below, we will discuss some consequences of not properly caring for your smile.
Potential Consequences Of Not Managing Your Oral Health
If you feel like you’re falling short in keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine, you’re far from alone. Millions of Americans need help with keeping up with good oral hygiene practices. Many of these individuals struggle with various health concerns, including physical and mental health issues, that interfere with their ability to perform these regularly. Some of the consequences associated with poor oral hygiene practices include:
- Build-up of Plaque and Tartar – Plaque is a biofilm that accumulates due to the action of oral bacteria that promote tooth decay. It takes about 24 hours for plaque to harden into a substance known as tartar or calculus. At this point, it is difficult or impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing. While it can be removed as part of professional cleaning, it often leaves behind stains that require further treatment to eliminate.
- Tooth Decay – Tooth decay can be quite severe, and when dental enamel is lost, there’s no way to restore it. However, it is entirely possible to address dental restoration after the fact. Ideally, this will be avoided, as the restoration material is less effective than your natural enamel. However, if left untreated long enough, root canal treatment (RCT) can be required to save the tooth.
- Gum Disease – Another danger of poor oral hygiene is the onset of gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. These often start with tender gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed. However, it can lead to severe concerns that can cause gum recession, swelling, and even painful cracks.
- Bone Loss – As tooth decay and gum disease advance, it can also take its toll on the health of your bones as well. Over time, it can cause permanent bone loss, leading to tooth loss and worse.
These are the most common risks associated with poor oral hygiene and degrading dental health. They also represent the most pressing reasons for ensuring oral hygiene is maintained effectively and consistently.
Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City To Learn More
If you want to discover more you can do to protect your oral health, contact our team by calling Dr. Tom Galinis and Dr. Shannon Galinis at our Palm City, FL office. You can reach us at (772) 283-8350 to arrange your next dental visit and start taking steps to protect your oral hygiene for years to come.
