Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is important for many reasons. While having poor dental health can be painful, it can also be hazardous to your health. The following guide walks you through five ways poor dental hygiene can affect your body negatively.

Cavities and Root Canals

When you do not take proper care of your teeth, the bacteria that gather on them can start to deteriorate your teeth and eventually the roots that hold them in place. When this happens, the dentist must dig out all of the weak spots of the tooth and refill them. If a root canal is needed, this can be an even more painful process because the root itself must be treated. Most root canals can be prevented through regular visits to the dentist. Neglecting cavities when they are small can lead to root canals later on down the road.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease causes the bones around your teeth to deteriorate over time and can eventually cause your teeth to fall out. This can lead to you needing to get dentures to simply be able to eat regularly. Properly maintaining your smile through brushing and flossing can greatly diminish the chances of periodontal disease development.

Heart Disease

If you do develop periodontal disease, your chances of developing heart disease greatly increase. The plaque and bacteria that grow on your teeth are absorbed directly into your blood stream when you have periodontal diseases. The bacteria and plaque build up in the valves to your heart, narrowing them and making it more difficult for your heart to be able to work properly.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis can develop when large amounts of bacteria build up in the mouth through improper oral hygiene and then absorbed into the body, eventually clogging arteries. When the arteries become clogged, it can lead to a stroke, which could be debilitating.

Breathing Problems

When the bacteria from your mouth is absorbed into your bloodstream, it can eventually reach your lungs. The bacteria can irritate your lungs and make it harder for you to breath. This can be even worse for someone who suffers from asthma or other breathing related illnesses.

It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two-minute increments. This cleans any bacteria that is living in your mouth and keeps your teeth as healthy as possible. See the dentist every six months for regular checkups to ensure any issues are addressed right away.