4 Disadvantages of Not Seeing a Family Dentist

family dentist Chicago, IL

Oral health is about so much more than the health of the mouth, gums and teeth. Because the mouth is the main entryway into the body, poor oral health can cause negative reactions in the body. Teeth that ache, gums that bleed and breath that has a bad smell are all symptoms of poor oral hygiene. Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and create infection and inflammation wherever it goes.

Disadvantages of not seeing a family dentist

Here are four disadvantages of not seeing a family dentist for oral hygiene care:

1. Cardiovascular disease

Having bad oral health could put a person at risk for heart disease. If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, that same bacteria can get into the bloodstream, causing the arteries to build up plaque and then harden. This hardening of the arteries is named atherosclerosis, and it can be severe. It can create blood flow issues and heart blockages, and it intensifies the likelihood of having a heart attack. The harmful impact on the arteries and blood vessels can lead to hypertension and could increase the risk of stroke. Endocarditis can also fester, which is an often-fatal condition that happens when the lining of the heart becomes infected.

2. Diabetes

Not only are people with diabetes already more vulnerable to infection like infected gums, which can lead to periodontal disease, but periodontal disease can, in turn, make diabetes tough to control. Symptoms can deteriorate as blood sugar levels go haywire because of gum disease. It is particularly important for people with diabetes to take great care of their oral health to prevent complications with the disease. Because gum disease can lead to higher than average blood sugar levels, a person with poor oral health is at an increased risk of developing diabetes.

3. Cancer

Poor oral health practices such as using tobacco products or smoking can lead to throat and oral cancers, but other types of cancer have also been linked to gum disease. The risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and blood cancers is much higher for people who have poor oral health.

4. Infertility

There is a connection with poor oral health and issues with infertility in women. Gum disease can lead to several overall health issues that can make it more problematic for a woman to conceive and sustain a wholesome pregnancy. It can take longer for a woman with poor oral health to get pregnant than it would for a woman who has excellent dental health.

Prevention

The best way to stop serious health issues caused by inadequate oral health is to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular appointments with a family dentist.

To achieve good oral hygiene:

  • Brush the gums and teeth for two minutes at least two times a day
  • Floss the teeth at a minimum one time daily
  • Steer clear of smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco products
  • Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride
  • Reduce sugary foods and drinks

Remember, healthy teeth are free of pain and have no cavities or disease. Healthy gums are pink in color and do not bleed when flossed or brushed.

Request an appointment here: https://joyfuldentalcare.com or call Joyful Dental Care at (773) 736-7767 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Ask A Family Dentist: What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and…

3 Questions To Ask Your Family Dentist

If you follow recommendations from the American Dental Association, you should visit your family dentist twice a year. These visits provide more than just a cleaning and dental exam; they give you the opportunity to talk with your dentist about proper oral healthcare. While it could be intimidating or embarrassing to open up to your…

A Family Dentist Discusses Ways To Reverse Tooth Decay

Filling cavities is one of many services that a family dentist provides. Cavities are holes in teeth that occur due to tooth decay. However, if the decay is caught early, it may be possible to reverse it before a cavity forms. Understanding how and why tooth decay happens may make it easier to learn how…

Common Causes Of Cavities Prevention Tips From A Family Dentist

A family dentist is a popular resource to utilize when looking for ways to prevent cavities. Additionally, they can help individuals identify the cause of the cavity, which is necessary when looking to prevent them from developing in the future. Cavities are caused when bacteria, acid and/or food particles are left on or in between the…

Related Posts

A Dentist Offers Tips For Adjusting To New Dentures

A Dentist Offers Tips For Adjusting To New Dentures

The process of adjusting to new dentures takes several weeks. During this time, you may experience some discomfort and self-consciousness. Both partial and complete dentures take some getting used to. Your dentist gives you instructions for denture adjustment, and if you follow them closely, the process should be simple. However, it does require patience as…

Adjusting To New Dentures: Do Dentures Feel Natural?

Adjusting To New Dentures: Do Dentures Feel Natural?

Most first-time denture candidates are nervous about adjusting to new dentures. They usually do not know what to expect, and they may wonder if dentures will feel natural.People get dentures for many reasons, such as broken or missing teeth, excessive tooth decay, gum disease, severe tooth pain or trauma, and painful sensitivity to hot and…