8 Common Consequences of Poor Oral Care You Should Be Aware Of

Proper oral hygiene is extremely important for your teeth and gums. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth properly, it can lead to an increased number of bacteria in your oral cavity and many other negative complications. In this article, we have gathered eight common consequences of poor oral care you should be aware of.

 

1. Bad breath

There are a lot of factors that can affect your breath. The most common of them are gastrointestinal conditions, smelly foods, and poor oral hygiene. Bacteria, dental plaque, and food particles can rot in your oral cavity and cause an unpleasant odor. Additionally, some oral issues like gum disease or tooth decay can also cause bad breath.

2. Tartar accumulation

Tartar is a solid deposit that occurs when a dental plaque isn’t removed and it becomes hard.  Tartar build-up can significantly spoil your smile since it accumulates near the gum line and between the teeth. If you already have tartar, you need to visit a dentist and undergo professional cleaning.

3. Tooth decay

Tooth decay (cavities) is a hole in the tooth. In the initial stages, a cavity can develop asymptomatically but when it reaches the inner layers of the tooth, you may experience severe pain. Bacteria that inhabit your oral cavity produce acids during their vital activity and these acids wear out your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Regular tooth brushing and flossing reduce the number of these bacteria and prevent the development of tooth decay.

4. Gum disease

Bacteria overgrowth in your mouth can contribute to the development of gum disease, the inflammation that affects your gums. People with the primary stage of gum disease can have red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Advanced gum disease usually leads to the development of pockets in gums and teeth loosening.

5. Teeth loss

If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene and skip regular dental check-ups, it can lead to teeth loss. For example, advanced tooth decay can damage the entire tooth. Untreated gum disease can cause gum recession and gums become unable to provide sufficient support to your teeth. As a result, your teeth may become loose and fall off.

6. Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a condition that occurs when the tooth becomes infected and develops a sac with pus. This condition can also be caused by poor oral care since the infection usually penetrates the damaged tooth. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, swollen gum under the affected tooth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and bad breath. This condition should be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.

7. Teeth sensitivity

An increased teeth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can develop because of tooth enamel thinning. Acids that are produced by bacteria and acidic foods and drinks wear out your tooth enamel and make it sensitive. Additionally, gum pockets can expose the sensitive roots of the tooth that can also react with pain to temperature changes.

8. Stained tooth enamel

Dental plaque, pigments, tartar, and other factors can make your teeth look dark and stained. Regular tooth brushing can help remove these stains and make your teeth look better. You can also undergo a teeth whitening procedure and use teeth whitening toothpaste. Some home remedies and teeth whitening kits can also improve the look of your teeth.

 

The bottom line

You need to understand that it is much easier to prevent the development of the aforementioned oral issues than treat them. Proper oral care doesn’t take much time and effort but it can help you avoid many problems.