Your Bad Oral Hygiene Could Be Making You Sick

Most people have no idea that plaque and tartar buildup could make you sick. In fact, if you suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease your dentist will tell you that you could be setting yourself up for all kinds of problems including heart disease.

According to Web MD, that bacteria, known as plaque, will build up on your teeth unless you brush twice and floss once a day. If left to its own devices, plaque will cause your gums to bleed and be inflamed.

Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease can cause problems for the rest of your body as well. Some of the health problems include dementia, heart attacks, and even diabetes. Although scientists have been unable to establish why this happens, they have identified links between health problems and poor oral health.  

Plaque constantly forms on your teeth when you eat or drink beverages and foods that contain starches and sugars. Once the bacteria have released damaging acids, it will attack the enamel on your teeth. Plaque acts like a glue of sorts keeping the acids in constant contact with the enamel on your teeth. Over time, the breakdown of your enamel will lead to tooth decay.

If your gums are tender, swollen and bleed after you brush or floss you could have gum disease, which begins as gingivitis, leading to periodontal disease. Once the gum tissue begins to pull away from your teeth, the bacteria will start to attack the bone that supports your teeth leading to tooth loss.

Some of the diseases that scientists have linked with periodontal disease include;

• Dementia
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Heart Disease
• Premature Birth
• Diabetes 

Although experts have been unable to pinpoint the exact links, many dentists and doctors believe that it is the oral bacteria that escape into your bloodstream causing problems for your major organs.

In a paper written in 2009 by the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Journal of Cardiology, recommendations were made to encourage heart doctors to ask their patients if they have had, or still battle with periodontal disease. 

If you suspect that you may be suffering from gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to get rid of your gingivitis or periodontal disease. 

There is No Need to Fear Root Canal Therapy

It used to be when the words, “Root Canal,” were mentioned people would either grimace in pain, run for the hills, or consider pulling the offending tooth rather than deal with a Root Canal, but thanks to modern dentistry and Dental Care of Corona, you can have your deep cavity or cracked filling repaired with painless Root Canal therapy.

According to Wikipedia, a Root Canal is used to save and repair a tooth that has become infected or is badly decayed. Root Canals are also used to repair broken teeth or restore old fillings that are too large to refill.

During your Root Canal, your dentist will remove the pulp and the nerve located within your tooth before cleaning and sealing the tooth. Without Root Canal therapy, the tissue that surrounds your tooth or teeth will eventually become infected increasing your risk of an abscess.

Your dentist will tell you that the nerve in your tooth is not important to the health or function of the tooth after the tooth has erupted. The only function of the nerve is sensory providing you the sensation of cold or hot. If you have a Root Canal, your tooth will not be affected by daily actions such as eating, drinking, flossing, or brushing.

The soft tissue on the inside of your tooth, also called pulp, is protected by dentin. Above your gumline, the dentin is protected by enamel. Your dentin is protected below your gumline by cementum. When bacteria occur in your mouth causing decay, the pulp in your tooth becomes exposed as well resulting in infection, inflammation and eventual pulp death or necrosis. Without treatment, the diseased portion of the tooth could reach the bone causing serious problems.

Having a Root Canal also allows you to save an infected tooth. A pulled tooth could result in a shift of your adjoining teeth making chewing, biting and even speaking more difficult. Of course, you could have the tooth replaced, but there is no artificial substitute that is as good as your natural tooth.

If you suspect you may need a Root Canal, do not put it off any longer and schedule an appointment with your Dentist who can determine the next course of action. Call today.