Poor oral health can result from many factors. Too many factors can make it difficult to brush your teeth and keep them clean, including fear of the dentist and medication.
You’re not the only person who doesn’t take proper care of their gums and teeth. If you do not make the necessary changes, your oral health will decline.
Plaque & Tartar Build-Up
If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing within 24 hours, it can harden into tartar. Tartar will remain on teeth until it’s removed during professional dental cleaning. The resulting discoloration can be corrected with professional teeth whitening, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers.
Tartar, which is rich in bacteria, traps developing bacteria near the surface of teeth. This can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth Decay
If tooth decay is detected during a routine dentist visit, it can usually be treated quickly with a dental filling. Tooth decay can develop beyond the enamel to the roots of the teeth and require a filling. If tooth decay has reached the roots of the teeth, root canal therapy (RTC), or extraction, is required. A dental implant may also be needed.
Gum Disease
Although you might need to undergo more extensive treatments to save your tooth, the worsening of gum disease can cause swelling, bleeding gum recession and painful cracks. Gum disease, if left untreated, can rapidly reduce gum tissue and threaten the stability of your teeth. Your dentist can prevent the development of gingivitis by treating it with good oral hygiene at home.
Gum and bone loss
Your smile’s beauty and functionality is dependent on the interaction between your teeth, jawbone, and gums. The soft and hard tissues of your jaw and gums support the teeth. Your tooth roots provide stimulation to keep the bone healthy.
Periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that can lead to severe gum disease. It can affect your jaw, gums and teeth. Regenerative and surgical treatments can restore gum tissue, saving some or all of your teeth.
Late-stage gum disease is characterized by significant tooth loss due to the destruction of the gum and underlying bone. These teeth can be replaced by multiple dental implants once the gums and jawbone have had supportive treatment.
Facial Disfigurement
If gum disease is not treated, the jawbone can shrink, causing facial distortions. People who have worn dentures long periods of time may notice a thinned or narrowed jawline or chin. This is caused by jawbone resorption. This happens when the bone does not receive stimulation from missing or damaged tooth roots.
If you have lost more than one tooth due to any reason, it is worth looking into dental implants. They act as replacements for tooth roots and stimulate your jaw, preventing resorption.
Next Steps
You may need help if you are anxious or afraid of the dentist. Ask your dentist about the health of your teeth and gums. Even if your teeth are all gone, you can still have a beautiful smile and enjoy your favorite foods.