Have you been experiencing chronic headaches? Not sure why you’ve been feeling a little insecure? You might want to consider getting your teeth checked. Poor oral hygiene can take a toll on areas beyond the reach of dental health. It might even affect your plans of growing your family or decrease your work productivity. Read on to find out how neglecting your teeth can impact your overall quality of life.
What Are the Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene?
Brushing twice a day might make you think your oral health is A-OK. But maintaining proper oral hygiene requires more than just cleaning your teeth. How’s your breath? When did you last check your gums? Keep an eye out for these signs of poor oral hygiene so you can address them before they worsen.
Bad breath
A Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology study revealed that, next to your gut, your mouth is the dirtiest part of your body. It harbours over 700 species of odour-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. While it’s common for many to experience morning breath, a persistently foul-smelling mouth could be a cause for concern.
Bleeding gums
Cleaning your teeth should never resemble a scene from a horror movie. If your gums bleed excessively when you brush or floss, don’t just write it off. Schedule a visit to your dentist at the first sign of gum inflammation. You may be experiencing an early stage of gum disease, which, if left unchecked, can lead to tooth loss and other complications.
Tooth decay
Another clear sign of poor oral hygiene is tooth decay. Its symptoms, however, creep in without warning. A cavity can begin as a small hole in your tooth that gradually grows bigger if left untreated. According to the Australian Dental Association, one in every three Australians suffer from tooth decay. Because cavities don’t cause pain at first, the best way to prevent tooth decay is to see your dentist regularly.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Well-being
Think bad breath and cavities are the only problems when you ignore your oral health? Think again. Here are repercussions to watch for.
Systemic health issues
Many studies have revealed the connection between poor oral health and systemic diseases. For instance, the Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology found a link between heart disease and the gums. Your best defence? Besides exercise and a healthy diet, the American Diabetes Association highly suggests excellent oral hygiene habits.
Memory loss
Researchers from the University of South Hampton conducted a study that revealed a correlation between oral health and cognitive function. They performed a series of tests related to memory and information retention. The result? Patients with gingivitis scored lower compared to those with healthier oral conditions.
Longer time to conceive
Thinking about starting a family? Poor oral hygiene might be delaying your plans. Research from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reveals that gum disease could extend the time it takes for a woman to become pregnant. The study found that women with periodontal disease took over seven months on average, while those with healthy gums conceived in just five months.
Headaches
Subpar oral hygiene can even contribute to headaches. A deep cavity that exposes the nerves can cause pain while eating and drinking, sometimes leading to migraines. A BMJ case report detailed a man who suffered from chronic migraines for 35 years. Researchers traced the root of his condition to dental abscesses, a collection of pus inside the teeth or gums.
Decreased work productivity
Besides the physical consequences of poor oral hygiene, it can also affect other areas of your life. Dental problems require regular checkups, which can result in increased absences from work or school. If you haven’t addressed your condition, toothaches or bleeding gums can hinder your productivity. Didn’t score too high on your quarterly review? Maybe a visit to your dentist is due.
Financial distress
Dental treatments and procedures can be a significant financial burden. You might even feel tempted to use high dental costs as an excuse not to get your teeth checked. But maintaining good oral hygiene is the best investment of all. When it comes to your dental health, prevention is more affordable than cure.
Employment challenges
In the job market but all out of luck? Instead of blaming it on your resume, you could point the finger at your poor oral hygiene. Maybe a severe toothache could have prevented you from attending an interview. Or perhaps your crooked teeth are robbing you of the confidence you need to make a lasting first impression. Want to boost your chances of landing your dream job? It might be high time to mind your teeth.
Confidence issues
Neglecting your oral health can also take a toll on your self-esteem. Bad breath may cause some embarrassment when interacting with others. It might even make you reluctant to open your mouth for fear of turning people away.
Similarly, missing, discoloured, or crooked teeth can make you less confident in social situations. Surely, you’d hesitate to flash a smile if you’re dealing with these issues. But don’t worry; a quick trip to your dentist can help improve your self-esteem. If your main concern is misaligned teeth, they might suggest a smile makeover with ClearCorrect. These aligners offer a subtle solution, giving you minimum discomfort and maximum confidence.
No one can deny the gravity of poor oral hygiene. So, if you’d like to avoid these consequences, take a more proactive stance in caring for your dental health starting today. Give your teeth and gums the love they deserve!
References:
Abijeth, B., & Priya, J. (2015). Risk factors involved in Coronary Heart Disease in relation with Oral Hygiene. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 8(8), 997.
Bansal, M. (2013, September 9). Potential role of periodontal infection in respiratory diseases-a review. PubMed Central (PMC).
Deo, P. N., & Deshmukh, R. (2019). Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 23(1), 122.
Diabetes and Gum Disease | ADA. (n.d.).
Link between gum disease and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s | University of Southampton. (n.d.).
Reyes, A. J., Ramcharan, K., & Maharaj, R. (2019). Chronic migraine headache and multiple dental pathologies causing cranial pain for 35 years: the neurodental nexus.
Tooth decay – Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). Teeth.org.au.
