What Can Happen If You Neglect Oral Health?

Oral health matters for your overall health. It’s vital that you care about yourself and take oral health seriously. 

The information here is for discussion, it’s not medical advice. Please talk to your dentist or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. 

According to Mayo Clinic oral germs can cause cardiovascular diseases as suggested by some researchers and gum diseases can cause low birth weight and even premature birth of a child during pregnancy. 

If you haven’t already then it’s time to stop neglecting oral health and take the best care of yourself. 

Read on for more information. 

Why Oral Health Matters? 

Oral health matters because it’s an integral part of your overall health. It’s like a window to your personality as bad breath and poor oral hygiene show you are neglecting yourself. 

When people get Alzhemeir’s their oral health declines as it becomes challenging for them to take care of their basic oral hygiene. 

Gum diseases can also cause difficulty in everyday life, for example, if someone has bleeding gums and they are not treating them, chances are that the person’s gums can start bleeding during routine conversations. 

Nobody likes bad breath and it’s hard to stand next to a person who has bad breath. Now, this issue could be because of a lack of oral hygiene or there could be an underlying issue. 

No matter what’s the cause, oral health needs your time and attention. It’s vital that you discuss your oral hygiene and history with your dentist. Let your dentist know if you observe any changes, for example, pain in the teeth, a cavity, etc. 

How to Keep Oral Health In Check? 

It’s pretty simple to keep your oral health in check, but obviously, it could be a challenge for someone so in that scenario, talk to your healthcare provider. For example, new moms going through postpartum depression may find it challenging to keep their oral health in check while taking care of a newborn. 

Start with the basics as at times people are not even following the easy steps. For example, it’s recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Not doing so means you are neglecting your oral hygiene. 

Visit the dentist and go for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. It helps a lot when you get your teeth professionally cleaned as there is an accumulation of plaque and tartar. In certain cases, it’s essential to get professional dental cleaning. 

It’s understandable that if someone is suffering from a disease or going through a difficult challenge, it would be hard to maintain oral hygiene. The family members can step in and offer help. In fact, it’s wise to ask for help when it’s needed the most. 

A dentist has the right answers to your questions. Instead of searching online, it’s always best to talk to your dentist when you have concerns about your oral health. 

FAQs

Is it okay if I skip brushing my teeth at night? 

It’s vital that you brush your teeth at night. During the day you eat foods of all kinds and there could be food particles between your teeth. Not brushing your teeth at night means giving chance to bacteria and germs to grow overnight. If you eat sweets, it can cause cavities if you are not cleaning and brushing your teeth properly. You must also consider flossing your teeth to clean them thoroughly. 

What can I do to get rid of cavities?

First, avoid sugary foods and drinks. Avoid candies and anything that causes cavities. Focus on a healthy diet, but if you still develop cavities then get it treated right away and talk to your dentist if there is pain. 

What’s vital when it comes to brushing? 

Your toothbrush matters and it’s vital that you replace it every three to four months. For those, who are concerned about the environment and don’t want to add more plastic to the landfills can switch to bamboo toothbrushes. The dentist can even suggest you use an electronic toothbrush or a smart toothbrush. Of course, the final choice is yours, but see what works in your favor. 

Why do some people neglect oral hygiene? 

There are a number of reasons for someone to neglect oral hygiene. There could be underlying health issues or it could be because of lack of education. It’s vital that you educate your kids about the importance of oral hygiene from an early age. At times, people are going through difficult life situations and it makes it challenging to maintain oral hygiene. It’s also possible that someone had been disciplined throughout their life, but let go of the oral hygiene at a certain point or because of major life challenges. Under such circumstances, it would be best to ask for help and talk to your healthcare provider and dentist. 

Do you need to treat oral diseases and problems? 

Yes, you need to pay attention to your oral health. It matters like everything else in life. It’s easy to neglect oral health when issues or problems are not obvious. In certain situations, there is a need to get braces or get teeth aligned for better oral health. It’s true that some people would consider cosmetic procedures, but the goal must always be better oral health. Your oral health needs to be top-notch, so if you haven’t already it’s time to book an appointment with the dentist and discuss your oral health issues and concerns. 

Wrapping It Up 

Neglecting oral health can have serious consequences. It can even lead to heart disease and complications during pregnancy. It’s vital that you keep your oral health in check and talk to your dentist if you have any questions, concerns, or any underlying issues. It’s understandable that if some people are going through major life challenges or serious diseases, it would be challenging for them to care for themselves. Under such circumstances, family members can be of huge help! 

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