Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Scary Things That Can Happen If You Don't Care For Your Teeth
Jordan Arnold
Many people experience dental phobias that make it difficult for them to go to the dentist. However, there is something a great deal scarier than the dentist. It is what can happen if you do not take proper care of your teeth that is really frightening. Many people do not realize that their health can suffer greatly if they do not brush and floss regularly or if they do not get their teeth cleaned at the dentist regularly. Get to know some of these potential health consequences. Then, you can be sure you are doing everything you can for your health (dental and otherwise) going forward.
Dementia
What you may not think about regularly is that every aspect of your health is connected to the rest of your body. These connections mean that if you neglect one area, many others may suffer as a result. One of those unknown links is between the brain and oral health.
Gum disease is an infection that can cause significant inflammation. This inflammation will not necessarily remain isolated to the mouth. It can extend to various areas of the body, including the brain. This inflammation can cause damage to brain cells, which in turn increases the risk of developing dementia.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is another condition that is surprisingly linked to dental and oral healthcare. When the teeth or gums become infected, the bacteria in the mouth causing the infection can and often do get into the bloodstream.
If this happens, those bacteria can lead to cardiovascular inflammation and even infections in or around the heart. The bacterial infection can also lead to hardening and buildup in the arteries, leading to further cardiovascular diseases and problems.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition in the joints. When a person has gum disease or other chronic bacterial infections, those bacteria can cause joint inflammation as well, leading to rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can be debilitating, causing joint pain and stiffness that sometime cannot be reversed.
Pregnancy Complications
Having gum disease when you are pregnant can be a serious problem. Women with gum infections have a tendency to have babies earlier and at lower birth weights. Premature births and low birth weights can represent significant risk of complications and health risks for the baby, including the high risk of infections and respiratory problems.
Now that you know some of the most scary potential side effects of poor oral hygiene, you can be sure that you get to the dentist sooner rather than later to get your teeth cleaned. To learn more about the importance of dental cleanings, contact a dentist like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.
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