Side Effects of Not Taking Care of Your Teeth
- Posted on: Dec 15 2018
Did you know that taking care of your teeth can actually help keep your overall health in better shape? Keep reading to learn what else brushing and flossing is doing to keep your health in tip-top shape, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cardiovascular Disease
Yes, your teeth can influence your heart. It’s easy to forget that our bodies are made up of interconnected pieces that affect each other. What we eat becomes the building blocks of our bodies.
Similarly, the bacteria from gum inflammation can travel from your mouth to other parts of your body. Sometimes, this bacteria can be carried through the blood and cause hardening of the arteries in your heart. This can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke later on down the road.
Dementia
The bacteria in your mouth can also move through nerves, where it can create havoc. This bacteria can reach the brain via nerves or the bloodstream, where it can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Respiratory Infections
The bacteria in your mouth can be picked up in the air you breathe, too. By breathing in the bacteria that is sitting on your teeth, your lungs can be more susceptible to that bacteria, where it can influence pneumonia and other infections.
Dental Concerns
Obviously, if you don’t take care of your teeth, there will be repercussions in the health of your mouth and teeth. You can experience pain and disease that can lead to loss of teeth in extreme cases.
What do I do to prevent damage to my teeth and mouth?
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss daily
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks
- See your dentist regularly
- Bring up concerns you have with your dentist
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Avoid tobacco use
If you’re due for a checkup, give us a call. Call us at (610) 861-0190 for our Bethlehem location or (610) 973-2090 for our Allentown location. We would love to help you maintain the health of your teeth and everything they affect.
Posted in: Dental Cleaning, Dental Health, Dental Services, Oral Hygiene