Thanks to years of research, dentists now understand that oral health has the unique ability to inform us about the status of an individual’s overall health. Chances are that if something wrong is occurring in the mouth, it’s more than likely indicative that something wrong is happening in the body overall. This is just another reason why routine visits to the dentist are so important.
To learn how tooth decay can dramatically affect your overall health, keep reading!
Tooth Decay and Your Quality of Life
As you consume food and beverages throughout the day, oral bacteria eats the sugars and starches in that food, which in turn produce plaque acids. Tooth decay occurs when the plaque acids from oral bacteria begin breaking down the outer surface of enamel, eventually creating tiny crevices known as cavities.
Once the decay is extensive enough, it will eventually cause tooth pain. If significant, this pain will make it much more difficult for you to perform tasks throughout the day, such as working at your job. Chronic tooth pain will affect your concentration, overall mood, and your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Failing to achieve proper sleep each night carries it’s own list of risks as well, including abrupt mood swings, a weaker immune system, lapses in memory, and even a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
For these reasons, tooth pain is never something you should ignore.
How Tooth Decay Affects Your Diet
Tooth decay doesn’t only affect the appearance of your smile. It can also dramatically affect your ability to maintain a balanced diet. People who suffer from decay or tooth loss quickly learn that the foods they used to eat become impossible to do so, significantly limiting their diet. This can easily lead to malnutrition as you begin cutting out essential fruits, vegetables, and proteins from your diet.
Furthermore, your ability to chew decreases, making it difficult to break down foods before they reach your stomach. This can cause an upset stomach and eventually lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux.
The Worst-Case Scenario: Infections
The worst situation you can find yourself in after developing decay (other than tooth loss) is the development of an infection. Tooth decay is only the early stage of this outcome. If the tooth continues decaying and breaks down, it may cause an infection or an abscess to form.
Infections, regardless of where they start, have the potential to spread throughout the body and can cause serious damage in the long-term. They also typically cause flu-like symptoms, making it impossible for you to get through the day.
Luckily, it’s never too late to visit a dentist in Lincoln to get yourself treated. To prevent the worst-case scenario and keep your oral health in check, schedule an appointment today!
About the Author
With Dr. Amy Wenninghoff’s many preventive treatments, you can stop serious tooth decay before it happens. However, if you’re already experiencing damaged teeth due to decay, she can help restore your mouth and give you hope for better oral health overall. To learn more about her practice, contact her at (402) 420-2222 or visit her website.