Visiting the dentist may feel like a chore that you would rather avoid. However, your oral and general health could suffer if you don’t stick to scheduled appointments. The teeth and gums are more important as components in the body than you may realize.
When you eat and drink, every chemical consumed can have an impact on oral health. Bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis and tooth decay. This is only the beginning of your potential problems. Failure to seek treatment could result in serious complications developing.
Oral Infections
Infections can set in when you do not practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice a day are recommended practices for a reason. Overnight, bacteria will work on your teeth if you haven’t brushed. Similarly, all the bacteria that accumulate throughout the day become corrosive to teeth.
Pain and discomfort in the teeth could indicate an infection. You may also notice swelling in the gums, suggesting that the infection has spread. Early treatment of infection typically involves the use of antibiotics. In some cases, patients require root canal therapy to address infected pulp in the teeth.
In extreme cases, a tooth infection can be fatal. Brain infection and heart complications can occur if the issue is not treated. It is highly unlikely that a tooth infection will resolve without dental care. Even if it does, your teeth and gums will probably suffer damage as a result of the infection.
Tooth Loss
Most dentists want to save teeth that are relatively healthy. When patients try to wait out a toothache or oral infection, unnecessary decay occurs. At Jefferson Dental Care, we truly believe that early intervention is the best form of preventive dentistry.
When you lose teeth, it affects the health of surrounding bone. These structures are stimulated by the presence of a root, which promotes regrowth. It is for this reason that patients often need a bone graft before receiving dental implants.
Tooth loss is completely avoidable in many cases. If you are having dental pain or a tooth is loose, contact Jefferson Dental Care for an appointment today.
Posted on behalf of Jefferson Dental Care
