A lot of people only visit a dentist when pain strikes. However, no matter your situation, taking care of your oral health is a lifelong investment. Visiting a dentist in Orange Park, FL regularly can make sure any possible issues are detected and treated early. Keep in mind that if you are experiencing tooth pain, it could mean your teeth have been significantly damaged.
Understanding Tooth Decay
Poor oral health and dental neglect can cause the outer enamel layer of your teeth to be gradually destroyed. This usually happens because of plaque. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, plaque can build up on your teeth and produce harmful acids. This acid will eat away at the enamel of your tooth, causing a cavity.
Health Risks Related to Tooth Decay
If you have tooth decay, you usually experience dull, aching pain. Once the tooth decay has spread, the nerve can be directly irritated, causing more pronounced pain and creating increased sensitivity to temperature. This requires an immediate visit to a dentist to determine if a filling can still treat the decay. If the decay is serious enough to expose the nerve, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. In addition, exposed nerves and tooth decay can increase your risk of infections since the bacteria that cause the decay can spread to other body parts.
Poor oral health can negatively affect your overall health and well-being by worsening or creating health problems like lung disease, heart disease, depression, and stroke. Other side effects include loss of sleep, chronic pain, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Usually, poor oral health is associated with malnutrition and poor diet. Consuming too much starch and sugar can drastically affect your teeth, gums, and general health. In turn, losing permanent teeth and having chewing discomfort can lead to further nutritional issues, which can cause the development of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is an important part of your dental hygiene regimen. However, you should also pay attention to what you eat and drink. A balanced diet benefits your gums and teeth as well as your overall health and well-being. If you indulge in sweets occasionally, you should rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water afterward to get rid of lingering sugars. Keep in mind that complex carbohydrates can have sticky starches and can stay on the teeth for hours following consumption. Dental plaque feeds on starchy and sugary acids, so washing away the remnants of what you eat is crucial to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
