Everything you have heard from your dentist is true, especially the fact that it is important to have your teeth cleaned every six months. However, finding time to visit the dentist can be difficult when you have a busy life. Everyone needs some motivation to keep up with their regular dentist appointments. Our Cedar Falls Dentist reminds patients of the negative effects of not visiting the dentist to encourage them to stay in tune with their dental health. Let’s see what happens when you skip teeth cleaning.
What Happens When You Skip Teeth Cleaning
Professional cleanings are more thorough than what you can achieve on your own, which is why it is never a good idea to skip them on a regular basis. When you miss your dental appointments, the consequences can be severe. From tooth decay and infection to unchecked gum disease, there are many things that could happen. Keep reading to learn what happens when you skip teeth cleaning altogether.
Deterioration of Physical Health Over Time
Most people are unaware that oral health is closely linked to your overall health, and it affects more than just your teeth and gums. Poor dental hygiene can be linked to heart and lung problems, which makes you more susceptible to disease. Other studies have shown an association between gum disease and other serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
There is some evidence that gum disease can cause low birth weight in babies whose mothers have poor oral hygiene. It may take a while to develop a good oral hygiene habit, but the effort is worth it, considering how grave these consequences can be.
Extreme Tooth Decay – Or Loss
Preventing tooth decay and loss is a key reason for regular cleanings. You are more likely to suffer from gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss if you do not get professional cleanings and checkups from your professional.
All foods and drinks put us at risk for tooth decay. When the enamel on the outside of your teeth begins to wear down, you will get tooth decay. Acids from sugars and foods can erode enamel, exposing more sensitive areas of the tooth beneath. The bacteria left behind by unhealthful food particles can cause a buildup of decay. If you don’t practice daily dental care, tooth decay can spread extremely quickly. In the end, decay of the tooth can reach the innermost layer, which contains the nerves and pulp. It can lead to a serious infection, which may require tooth removal in order to prevent the infection from spreading.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss because it happens in a series of stages and is often undiagnosed until it is more severe. Gum disease occurs when the tissues that support the teeth in your mouth become infected. You can reverse the early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis, but infections of the periodontal tissues become more difficult to treat over time.
You may experience symptoms like red, inflamed, or bleeding gums if you have gingivitis. Periodontitis can develop if the infection spreads to your gums and the rest of your mouth. Gum problems, like gum recession, can be hereditary, but they could also be the result of poor oral hygiene.
Book Your Professional Cleaning Now!
It is all too evident that skipping your teeth cleaning appointment can be a very bad idea. Not only does the neglect of your dental health lead to several adverse oral health effects, but it can also spell out bad news for the entirety of your physical health. Schedule your routine teeth cleaning as soon as you can by getting in touch with our Cedar Falls dentists. We will help you find a treatment that will keep your oral health in check for many months to come.