Can Poor Oral Hygiene Hurt Your Overall Health?

If you have poor oral hygiene habits in place, it can be hard to avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease. What you should know is that in addition to making you more susceptible to these issues, you may be increasing your risk for general health complications! At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we provide guidance for patients while also offering in-office preventive dental care that can help them avoid oral health issues. People who feel confident in their current hygiene routine are sometimes surprised to realize just how vulnerable their current habits make them to problems. Positive changes can help you avoid future restorative dental work while also making it easier to avoid certain issues with your overall well-being.

You Should Be Aware Of The Link Between Oral And General Health

Problems with your oral health may lead to general health issues. Periodontal problems can lead to an infection by bacteria that cause inflammation; by traveling through your bloodstream, those bacteria can create issues with inflammation in different parts of your body and cause new health concerns. Bacteria that attack an infected tooth can also spread and create problems for your health. There are also concerns that certain oral bacteria might be able to travel through the mouth and create pulmonary issues.

Are You Currently Doing Enough To Maintain Healthy Gums?

If you want to avoid the potential complications associated with periodontal disease, make sure you clean at your gum line every time you brush and floss. These tissues are capable of being infected when you let plaque and tartar build up at the base of teeth. In addition to being consistent about when you brush and floss, it is important that you put work in to reach every part of your smile. It is also important to pay attention to your gums and determine if you might already have problems with gingivitis. The symptoms you should watch for include bleeding, swelling, and changes in the color of tissues.

An Untreated Cavity Can Lead To The Spread Of Bacteria Through Your Tooth

If a cavity forms, but receives attention from your dentist soon after, it can typically be addressed with a dental filling. Unfortunately, the problem can grow too serious for a filling over time, and you may need a dental crown, as well as treatment for an infection. Infections occur when bacteria are able to access a tooth’s pulp, which is where living nerves are housed. From there, they are able to move through the roots of teeth and cause further discomfort and health issues.

Our Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office Helps Area Families Protect Their Smiles!

In addition to providing services in the office, your Ankeny, IA dentist is able to provide encouragement and support for patients so that they can take better care of their teeth at home. To find out more about how you can protect yourself from potential oral health issues, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA at (515) 965-0230.