CAVITIES
You feel a sharp pain when you bite down or try to eat. You think it's a cavity, but you're not 100 percent sure...
BAD BREATH
More commonly known as bad breath, halitosis is an embarrassing hygiene issue that nobody wants, but some of us get every now and then...
Everyone wants a friendly smile, and perfect teeth make that so much easier to achieve. But the impact of bad teeth on your life goes far beyond aesthetics. A less-than-perfect smile could contribute to a number of overall health risks. Some of the problems associated with crooked and damaged teeth are preventable, while others can be managed with orthodontic procedures.
In all cases, good oral hygiene and taking care of your teeth help prevent serious health problems, but what happens when you have poor dental health?
There's a difference between crooked teeth and teeth that are "bad" on account of cavities, neglect or gum problems. Each of those problems could have an effect on your health. Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, like an over or underbite, could lead to the following health issues:
While many of these outcomes can be prevented with timely care, oral conditions, such as gum problems and dental caries, can lead to other medical issues.
An unhealthy mouth, regardless of the cause, could trigger problems like gum or periodontal disease, gum problems, tooth loss, mouth sores and a build-up of plaque. All of these issues introduce germs into your mouth, which can affect your entire body and lead to serious medical conditions, such as:
The risks presented by poor dental health make it imperative to maintain a healthy mouth. If you have crooked teeth or a bad bite, it may be worth your while to consider orthodontic treatment to correct the problem. For other types of bad teeth, oral hygiene is paramount. Brush and floss daily to keep your mouth clean, and protect and soothe sore gums with regular use of an antiseptic mouthwash.
Keep your mouth healthy and take care of your teeth throughout your life, and you'll reap the long-term benefits in the form of a pain-free mouth and overall body health.
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