Most people would be delighted to lose a few pounds. It can be hard to find the right pair of shoes or to fit into your favorite dress. But there are consequences to being overweight. You might not feel comfortable in your body, and you might suffer from a number of serious illnesses. In this article, we’ll examine some serious consequences of having bad teeth and how you can prevent them. We’ll cover everything from root canals to gum disease, so you can begin to understand what may be lurking inside your mouth. Let’s get started.
How Does Bad Teeth Impact Your Health?
If you want to stay healthy, you must pay attention to your teeth. The simple act of chewing food causes tiny stresses on your teeth that can cause them to decay. If this goes untreated, it can result in infections that may spread throughout your body. These infections can be extremely serious as they may lead to heart disease and diabetes. You must address your teeth issues promptly with a dentist so that you don’t end up facing these health complications. Another consequence of bad teeth is that it can significantly impact how you feel on the outside. Those with poor dental hygiene consistently report low self-esteem as a result of their unsightly teeth. If you’re not comfortable with the way you look, it can be difficult to feel happy on the inside as well. Your dentist can help you establish a proper routine for brushing and flossing to ensure that your teeth look and feel their best at all times. Additionally, they can help you determine whether you’re at risk for gum disease or other types of tooth decay. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you need a dental checkup:
- Experiencing pain when biting down
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Thickening of the saliva
- Pus drainage
- Mastication issues (masticating gum, grinding teeth, etc.)
- Food that won’t go down
Root Canals And Other Treatments For Bad Teeth
If your teeth are hurting you, it’s time for a root canal. To perform a root canal, the doctor will first have to remove the painful pulp from the tooth. If this is not treated properly, you could suffer from tooth decay or an infection that extends to other parts of your body. One of the most common causes of dental pain is a decaying tooth. If you have a sharp pain near a tooth, it could be the result of a cavity or a cracked tooth that is causing you discomfort. These injuries are easily treatable with a root canal. Another common cause of dental pain is gum disease. If you have periodontal pockets of 4mm or more, this may indicate that you are at risk for gum disease. This is a form of infection that slowly destroys your teeth and may eventually lead to serious complications if left untreated. Root canals are a common painless procedure that can be performed by your dentist to treat these and other types of dental injuries. To reduce your symptoms, your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics or recommend you see a periodontist for other types of treatments. After the procedure, take care of your tooth as directed by your dentist so that you don’t experience any problems. Even though the procedure is painless, it’s still important to take time off work so that you can recover properly. You may need to take pain medication or antibiotics for a few days after the procedure.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth decay and pain for people who don’t take care of their teeth. This is primarily because plaque and tartar (build-up of bacteria and saliva on the surface of your teeth) gradually cause your gums to become inflamed and infected. If you have gum disease, it can be extremely difficult to treat. If you have chronic gum disease, you may need to have all of your teeth removed. This is a very serious step, and you should speak to your dentist about it so that you don’t end up having to undergo this procedure for multiple teeth. Like with many other infections, gum disease can be prevented by taking proper care of your teeth and regularly cleaning them with a toothbrush and mouthwash. Some of the diseases that can arise from gum infection include:
- Periodontal pockets
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Soreness around the mouth
- Pain when chewing
- Locked jaw (when trying to sleep)
- Headaches
- Numbness in the jaw area (from gum disease)
Luckily, there is relief for people with gum disease. Your dentist can surgically remove the diseased gum and treat you with antibiotics so that you don’t have to live with the consequences of this condition. This is a very invasive procedure, so you must follow the instructions your dentist gives you post-operatively. Take care of your mouth and toothbrush regularly after the surgery and your gums will be healed in no time and you will be able to enjoy your restored teeth.
Oral Hygiene And Cavity Prevention
Keeping your teeth clean is important for preventing cavities and other types of dental problems. To do this, brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss regularly. The dentists at My Favorite Dentist in Santa Rosa, California, recommend using dental tape to prevent cavities and to repair damaged teeth. This is an easily accessible tape that can be used to repair cracks in the teeth or to cover up discoloration. Additionally, some people use dental floss to help them remove the sticky build-up on their teeth. When cleaning your teeth, make sure that you remove all of the food residue and stickiness. This will help prevent cavities as well as make your teeth look more shiny. In some situations, a professional cleaning may be required so that all of the surface bacteria are removed and your tooth will be sparkling again.
To prevent cavities, it’s important to remember to brush your teeth after every meal. This will remove the food debris that can lead to bacterial growth and infections. Some people recommend using a fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities since it helps improve tooth enamel strength. Additionally, eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can help prevent cavities due to their acidic nature. Always rinse your mouth with water after eating so that your teeth are not overly saturated with food particles. These particles can block the pores on your teeth and cause severe damage if not removed by regular brushing.
Preventing And Treating Dental Overgrowth
Tooth overgrowth is a very common problem for people who have inherited this particular trait from their parents. This occurs when a single tooth starts growing abnormally large due to the presence of an inherited trait such as brachycephaly (large head) or oxycephaly (large mouth). In most cases, the underlying cause is a disorder that affects the normal growth and development of the brain. In these situations, your dentist can prescribe you medications that prevent the overgrowth of your teeth. In some cases, the dentist may have to surgically remove the overgrown tooth as it extends beyond the space where it belongs in your mouth. In either case, this is a painful experience, and it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible to avoid any complications. In most cases where there’s not an underlying cause for the overgrowth of teeth, it can be quite frustrating to treat this condition as it will persist despite your best efforts to keep it under control.
The Importance Of Good Nutrition
To remain healthy, you must eat nutritious foods. This helps ensure that your body functions at its best and that your teeth remain strong. Some of the body’s most important organs, including the brain and the heart, require nutrients to function properly. Additionally, the cells in your mouth need sufficient amounts of nutrition to remain healthy and strong. In particular, your gums need vitamins C and E as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and gums. Make sure that you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to maintain good oral hygiene and allow your body’s natural defenses to work against tooth decay. Eating a well-balanced diet also helps reduce the chances of developing an infection or illness as well so that you can remain active and feel your best at all times. With good nutrition, you’ll notice that your teeth grow stronger and look better over time.