Categories: Family Dentist

4 Disadvantages of Not Seeing a Family Dentist

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://www.dentalcarepasadena.com or call Karrie Chu DDS Dental Care at (626) 472-2189 for an appointment in our Pasadena office.

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

Recent Posts

Orthodontics Can Help Self Esteem And Confidence

Invisalign® and traditional braces are two of the most common treatments that are used in orthodontics. General dentists offer both in an effort to boost individuals' self-esteem and confidence, in addition to improving oral health. Continue reading to find out more. Below is a quick overview of how orthodontics can be used to improve one's self-esteem…

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…

Caring For Your Dental Crown: Tips For Long-Term Maintenance

A dental crown can protect the remaining dental structure. It can restore and protect the natural tooth. Maintaining this restoration can help keep your smile intact for a long time. Here are some care tips for your new dental crown.Specific foods can damage a dental crown. Some raw fruits and vegetables are firm and hard.…

Are Dental Veneers Right For You? Explore Your Options

Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers might be the answer for you. These thin, customized porcelain shells will fit over your existing teeth and even out their appearance.Over time, dental veneers have become more prevalent as a cosmetic dental choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain…

Karrie Chu DDS Dental Care

Share
Published by
Karrie Chu DDS Dental Care

Recent Posts

Orthodontics Can Help Self Esteem and Confidence

Orthodontics refers to a number of different treatment options; however, the two most basic and…

3 weeks ago

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete…

2 months ago

Caring for Your Dental Crown: Tips for Long-Term Maintenance

Maintaining a dental crown involves practicing good oral care every day.

3 months ago

Are Dental Veneers Right for You? Explore Your Options

Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers…

4 months ago

How a Restorative Dentist Can Help After a Traumatic Accident

One of the primary concerns that often develops after a traumatic incident is the development…

5 months ago

Dentures Causing Sore Spots in Mouth: Denture Adjustment Needed

Learn why a denture adjustment is needed when you have sore spots in your mouth.…

6 months ago