When we think of dental health, what comes to mind? Most likely brushing and flossing, and the occasional trip to the dentist for a cleaning or to fill a cavity. In some more serious cases, a person’s dental health involves the removal of wisdom teeth or to have a crown placed over a broken tooth.
For many, dental health is part of their routine to brush and floss and yearly trip to the dentist at most, but the impacts of dental health extend well beyond your teeth and gums, and it is critical to your overall wellness to take care of issues as they arise as well as take preventative measures to keep your teeth and body healthy.
Common Dental Conditions
Almost everyone has had a cavity at least once in their lives. Cavities are areas of a tooth with permanent damage that can develop into openings or holes. Although a minor issue, it is best to have a dentist fill these holes before they cause you pain.
Broken or chipped teeth are also common conditions which can be caused by external injury or due to weak teeth. Small chips may not be serious, but large chips or breaks can cause pain, sensitivity, and in some cases, tooth loss if not treated.
Tooth extractions for wisdom teeth or tooth loss are conditions which need minor surgery and should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent infections and pain. In many cases, tooth extractions need a longer recovery time, but if they are recommended by your dentist, they should be scheduled to avoid more serious health issues. Medication can be prescribed to manage any lingering pain from the procedure.
If these conditions aren’t treated, they can lead to aching or pain when chewing or speaking, and eventually they can lead to more serious health issues which can impact other areas of the body.
Impacts on your Health
Without treatments, minor conditions can spiral into much larger health issues. If cavities aren’t treated, it could lead to nerve damage which can affect the whole jaw and make eating or speaking incredibly painful. You may also be tempted to ignore broken or chipped teeth if you don’t feel any immediate pain, but if left alone, broken teeth can lead to tooth decay or potential tooth loss.
Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease is an infection of the gums around your teeth caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. This allows for bacteria to build in these areas which causes the infection. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Preventative Care
The best way to maintain your dental and bodily wellness is to prevent these health problems before they occur. Brushing every day and flossing in between meals will help keep your gums healthy and prevent cavities. You should also schedule at minimum an appointment every six months with your dentist to monitor for any early signs of health issues such as tooth decay or weakening teeth.
If you or a loved one are experiencing dental pain or would like to schedule a cleaning or evaluation, please call Dr. Ema at Printers Row Dental Studio and Chicago Veneers: (312) 435-0411.
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