Your oral health can have a big impact on your health as a whole. It is therefore very important that your keep your mouth healthy to help you avoid other serious health issues.
In this month’s blog we look at the most serious offenders to healthy teeth and gums. Read on to find out for yourself if your habits are harming your mouth.
1.Smoking
Smoking can cause an array of medical problems, including damage to your teeth and gums. Smoking stains the teeth, causes bad breath, increases your risk of tooth loss and gum disease and increases your risk of developing mouth cancer.
2.Sugar
Sugar in the foods we eat, and drink provide food for the plaque that is constantly forming on our teeth. The plaque uses the sugar to create acids that can break down the enamel on our teeth, causing decay. By minimising your sugar intake, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of your teeth, reducing the number of harmful bacteria present.
3.Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is incredibly damaging to oral health. Involuntarily clenching, gritting or gnashing of teeth can be the direct result of stress, anxiety, focus or even sleep disorders. The throbbing teeth, jaw pain and headaches from this condition are the least concerning side effects – with long term effects including loosening of teeth from the gums, fracturing, aching jaws and joint disorders, receding gums and reducing teeth to stumps. Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and determine the best possible solution to help protect your teeth.
4.Piercings
While an oral piercing might be appealing, it can have serious drawbacks on your dental health. A tongue, cheek or lip piercing can lead to an infection, cracked or chipped teeth, and gum or nerve damage if not cared for properly.
5.Gum disease
Gum disease is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. Gum disease is surprisingly easy to overlook as it is often painless, which means that it can go unnoticed.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria present in plaque so the best way to keep it at bay is a good oral hygiene routine.
6.Avoiding dental appointments
We all know how important maintaining good oral hygiene is for our overall health, but many of us avoid attending to see our dentist on a regular basis. By attending for regular dental appointments the dentist will be able to identify any problems early, reducing the risk of needing extensive dental treatment and of experiencing a dental emergency.
When was the last time you saw a dentist? If you would like to book an appointment do not hesitate to contact Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898.