Common Ailments That Can Be Caused By Bad Oral Hygiene

woman with sleep apnea

No matter how unrelated it seems, each system in our body is connected to the other. For example, the digestive system and the respiratory system are interconnected. The digestive system breaks down food, and the respiratory system brings oxygen into the body. Our bodies can do both tasks simultaneously. 

Your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory systems. It is home to millions of bacteria, which benefit your health. However, some bacteria can cause problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Other than basic oral hygiene, it is critical to visit your dentist regularly.

Please remember that bad oral health can eventually lead to other health complications, such as: 

Sleep Apnea

It is a sleep disorder that can have severe consequences for your health. If you have this condition, you stop repeatedly breathing throughout the night. It can lead to poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and other health problems.

There are numerous treatment options for sleep apnea. These include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices. Your dentist can present various treatments and explain how each will work. This way, you can make an informed decision.

Remember that if you have sleep apnea, it is essential to get treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Oral Cancer

It is no secret that preventive dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. But did you know these cleanings can help prevent or catch other severe issues like periodontitis and cavities?

That is why it is vital to visit the dentist for a preventive dental cleaning every six months. During these cleanings, your dentist will remove any plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. They will also check for any signs of gum disease or tooth decay.

If they find any problems, they can then treat them before they become more serious. So, schedule an appointment soon if you are due for a preventive dental cleaning. Your mouth will thank you!

Respiratory Ailments

If you suffer from poor oral health, you may unknowingly inhale oral bacteria, which can infect your respiratory system. While most of us know that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, few realise that it can also have severe implications for our respiratory health.

Oral bacteria are constantly present in our mouths. While they usually do not cause any problems, they can sometimes lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, a severe lung infection that can be deadly, particularly for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. While there are many different causes of pneumonia, oral bacteria are among the most common.

Oral bacteria can enter the lungs through the nose or mouth, and they can cause pneumonia by increasing the likelihood that you will catch a respiratory illness. These bacteria can also make existing respiratory diseases worse.

It is vital to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. You should also see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Conclusion

Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. You can remove plaque and bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by brushing and flossing regularly. In addition, good oral hygiene can also help to prevent other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. 

If you are looking for a reputable dentist in Pickering, you do not have to look far because you can rely on Pickering Dental Services. We can keep your teeth healthy and fix any dental problems. This way, you will lessen your risk of developing serious illnesses. So, make an appointment now!

Find Out Why You Shouldn’t Let Dental Plaque Build Up

man brushing teeth in the mirror

Dental plaque is a well-known buildup of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the surfaces of teeth. It typically has a soft, sticky texture and can be felt when running the tongue over your teeth. It’s created when bacteria in the mouth combine with bits of food and saliva to form a film on the teeth.

It is important to be mindful of plaque buildup in your mouth. Not paying attention to plaque can have consequences beyond bad breath and stained teeth. Your dentist will likely discuss the more common issues that can arise, but many more serious issues can occur.

Pay close attention to dental plaque build-up, not only for the more obvious risks but for the less obvious but equally dangerous effects it can have on oral health. Here are a few issues that develop when you don’t address plaque through a dentist:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common issue when the protective layer of enamel on our teeth breaks down. This often happens due to acids created by plaque and the bacteria it contains. If left untreated, cavities can form, and this damage can’t be reversed, only stopped. So it is vital to take care of our teeth to avoid tooth decay.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a gum disease caused by bacteria that build up around the teeth. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, which causes redness, swelling, discomfort, and even bleeding. If left untreated, it can worsen and develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, destroying the underlying structures that support the teeth and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Tooth Loss

Sadly, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other painful and costly oral health problems if left untreated. Ignoring the warning signs can result in serious consequences, so taking steps to prevent this is important.

Health Issues

We often emphasize that oral health directly connects to overall health and well-being. Some studies have found evidence that the bacteria and inflammation in our mouths can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, memory loss, and diabetes. Therefore, taking care of our oral health is important to maintain our overall health.

Dental plaque build-up can be a small factor that has a big impact on many issues. To prevent problems from worsening, it’s important to take action and ensure that plaque does not accumulate.

The Simple Solutions

A few extra moments to practice good oral hygiene can make a huge difference. Be sure to brush regularly, but also take the time to floss and clean the hard-to-reach spots in between your teeth. Visit your dentist twice a year to get thorough cleanings. Doing so will help maintain good dental health and prevent plaque from building up in those hard-to-reach places.

Regularly cleaning your teeth and gums can protect you from the buildup of dental plaque and the potential problems it can cause.

In Closing

As the saying goes, “It’s the small holes that sink ships.” The same goes for dental plaque. These minor problems can lead to major health risks when left to rot in your dental cavity. So brush and floss daily and visit your dentist once every six months to prevent plaque from gumming up the works.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Periodontist Now

Doctor Shoval and our team of dentists in Ajax are ready to provide a consultation or full dental exam for proper periodontal care! Call now at 905-420-1777. New patients are more than welcome!