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Is the impact of poor dental health on your general health anything you’ve ever thought about? This is an underappreciated yet crucial topic, as our oral health has far-reaching consequences. It is essential to pay attention to what goes on in our mouths in our modern world of sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fast food.
Envision yourself with your tongue running over your teeth and coming across a sticky, gritty residue. Plaque is a coating of bacteria that forms on teeth and feeds on carbohydrates and sugars. If you ignore this plaque, it will harden into tartar, which can cause problems with your teeth and gums that go beyond your smile.
To begin with, what is plaque and how does it cause problems? Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and acts as a glue. Bacteria feed on carbs and sugars in your food, which breaks down your tooth enamel over time and causes cavities. When plaque builds up over time, it hardens into tartar, a yellowish deposit that is difficult to remove without the help of a dentist.
Things start to get dicey from here. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss are serious consequences of untreated plaque and tartar that can affect oral health. The first sign of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is red, inflamed, and bleeding gums. A more serious infection of the gums that can spread to the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth is periodontitis, which can worsen if left untreated. This can affect your general health and, in extreme situations, lead to the loss of teeth.
The dangers of poor oral health extend beyond only cavities and gum disease. Halitosis, or foul breath, can also be caused by neglecting proper dental hygiene. Attempting to carry on a conversation while enduring the foul smell of germs and decay is a realistic fear. Your social relationships and self-confidence might be greatly impacted by this undesirable condition.
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