Your mouth is home to tens of thousands of bacteria and other microorganisms, including some that are beneficial and some that are harmful. When these microorganisms are in proper balance, they don’t cause problems. But when they get out of balance, dental and other health problems can happen.
The key to good dental and oral health is a strong, healthy, and balanced bacterial environment in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth should be controlled by a strong immune system in your body. No matter the cause of an imbalance in your mouth, the result is an unhealthy environment and a higher risk of sickness.
Today, we will look at a few common health issues caused by bad oral hygiene.
These are the things you should watch out for:
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria in plaque that can spread at an alarming rate if left untreated. If you have gum disease, you may notice your gums are sore and bright red or purple. You may even see puss on your gums.
This disease is not painful until it has progressed to its later stages, when you may experience bone loss, loose teeth, and more. The best way to prevent gum disease is to have good oral hygiene.
Dry Mouth
With good oral hygiene, your mouth is protected from harmful bacteria. The bacteria that is still present will be protected from the actions of the immune system. Dry mouth is a common problem that is caused by inadequate oral hygiene.
A dry mouth may cause a lack of saliva, which can contribute to gum disease, canker sores, and bad breath. Saliva helps bacteria get flushed out of your mouth, so having too little of it is a bad thing.
It can be caused by medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, or an overactive immune system. Dehydration from drinking too little water is another common cause of dry mouth.
Gingivitis
This is a widespread issue that is caused by bad oral hygiene. This is a painful gum condition that is caused by the gums being too close to the teeth. Bacteria in plaque can easily get into your gums and cause them to become inflamed or swollen. The inflammation is usually caused by plaque building up on your teeth.
To prevent gingivitis from developing, you need to brush your teeth, floss and rinse regularly. The best way to treat gingivitis is to remove the bacteria and irritants that are causing the problem in the first place.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when healthy cells are damaged by unhealthy cells. Oral cancer can strike anywhere in your mouth, but the areas that are most commonly affected include the tongue, the side or back of your mouth, inside your cheeks, and your gums.
They can also occur on or around your lips or on your chin or neck. You can develop oral cancer due to years of bad oral hygiene.
The Bottom Line
Oral hygiene is essential to your health. If you have bad oral hygiene, it’s critical to find the source of your problem and treat it. The most troublesome health issues from insufficient oral hygiene are gingivitis, dry mouth, and gum disease.
If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should see a dentist. A dentist can perform a proper examination and treatment of your teeth, gums, and jawbone, as well as your mouth’s overall health.
If you are in need of an affordable dentist around Brisbane, you’re in the right place. Enamel Dental Studio provides quality dental services, cosmetic dentistry, and more. You can count on us to make your smile shine bright, beautiful, and healthy! Contact us today to find out more or book an appointment online.