Did you know nine in 10 adults aged 20 to 64 have tooth decay? That’s unfortunate since that condition is largely avoidable with a good and consistent oral health routine and regular dentist appointments.
Many people learn the basics of dental care as kids: They brush their teeth, floss, and use mouthwash. But those good habits instilled at a young age don’t always stick. Many people don’t take oral health seriously until there’s a problem.
If people were more aware of the link between oral health and other health conditions, they might take better care of their teeth and see a dentist regularly.
Continue reading to learn about three health problems you can avoid with proper dental care.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when tooth enamel—the outer layer of a tooth—erodes. If that happens, you can experience increased sensitivity, intense pain, and tooth loss. Tooth decay results when sugar and bacteria interact in your mouth. As the bacteria consume the sugar, they create acid that damages the enamel, which can cause tooth decay.
That’s why a good oral health regimen that includes brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and seeing your dentist periodically for checkups and dental cleanings makes sense.
One survey finds that around one in five kids had untreated tooth decay that resulted in absenteeism from school. The source adds that kids who miss over 10% of school are chronic absentees. It adds, moreover, that chronic absenteeism negatively impacts learning and boosts the risks of these absentees dropping out of school.
Taking dental care seriously can help kids fulfill their potential by preventing them from being derailed academically.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to Pfizer, north of 1.3 million Americans live with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints.
What some people don’t know is that oral health is linked to this chronic autoimmune disease. People who have periodontitis, an especially severe type of gum disease, have higher risks of getting rheumatoid arthritis. Periodontal disease creates inflammation that can permit bacteria to move to the bloodstream from the mouth, intensifying inflammation and worsening symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
When making regular appointments to see your dentist, you can count on the medical professional to identify any problems so they don’t get out of control. Something like a periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a chronic lack of dental care. But making a point to see your dentist regularly can greatly reduce the risks of serious ailments.
3. Heart Disease
Did you know around 695,000 people in the U.S. die every year of heart disease? That works out to one in five deaths. Coronary heart disease, which is the most common kind of heart disease, kills about 375,476 people per year.
Unfortunately, people with gum disease have higher risks of getting heart disease. The reason? Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, inflate the arteries, increase the likelihood of plaque deposits developing in the arteries, and possibly cause or increase the risk of heart attacks.
Good Dental Health Isn’t Just About Having Nice-Looking Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth isn’t just about achieving a nice smile. Good dental health can also reduce the risks of severe health problems that jeopardize your quality of life.
That’s one reason to make a point of seeing your dentist regularly — not just when something goes wrong. A good dentist will help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a smile you’re proud of and a better quality of life.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
