Price of Poor Dental Care

When people ignore their dental health and don’t visit their oral care professional regularly, they may find themselves in the emergency room (ER) with severe dental pain. Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported that more Americans are visiting the ER because of dental problems, and this can cost up to 10 times more than preventative care, such as brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist.

Recently, The Delta Optimist published an article encouraging people to take good care of their teeth so that they do not become a burden to the healthcare system over something that could have been avoided. The news source recommended visiting the dentist, brushing twice a day, flossing and avoiding tobacco products.

Furthermore, The Optimist also warned people to pay closer attention to what they eat, because it may be damaging their oral health.

“Dental erosion can be caused by certain health conditions such as stomach acid problems and eating disorders, but eating and drinking foods high in acid such as sport drinks and soft drinks can also cause teeth to erode,” according to the news source.

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Brushing Your Teeth The Right Way

Just because a person is brushing their teeth every day, doesn’t mean they are doing it right. Recently, YouBeauty.com published an article discussing some of the bad brushing habits that may be harming people’s dental health.

First, many individuals don’t brush long enough. The news source spoke to prosthodontist Michael Lenchner, who said that most dentists recommend that people brush for two or three minutes, but few individuals take the time to do so.

Next, some people may have improper brushing technique.

“Hold the brush so the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the teeth and brush in small circles. Focus on a few teeth at once, then move on to the next set, continuing around from one side to the other, top and bottom, front and back,” according to the news source.

Shape Magazine reminds readers that people shouldn’t brush too hard. This can permanently wear away at enamel, and cause gums to recede. The information provider added that if people find that their toothpaste feels gritty, they should switch to another because this can also harm enamel

Could Poor Dental Health Cause Dementia?

Ignoring dental health can lead to a variety of health problems. According to the American Dental Association, poor oral care may cause gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Sometimes, dental issues can extend beyond the mouth and affect other parts of the body.

For example, Medscape recently reported on a study of more than 4,000 elderly adults, which found that individuals with poor dental health may be more likely to develop dementia. Older individuals who had few teeth, did not use dentures or who did not visit a dentist regularly had a significantly higher risk of dementia than those with better oral health.

According to the news source, the researchers said there could be many possible causes behind the association between dental health and dementia.

“One possibility is that periodontal disease…increases concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers [that] may be involved in the pathogenesis of dementia. A second possibility is that poor nutrition, including decreased intake of vitamins, may result from tooth loss and dementia onset,” said study authors, quoted by Medscape Medical News.

Overcome Fear of The Dentist

Fear of of the dentist can affect a person’s oral health if it keeps them from regularly visiting their dental health professional. An estimated 75 percent of people have at least a little fear of the dentist, and 10 to 15 percent of people are so scared that they avoid the dentist all together. In response to this, many dental offices have been offering treatment options for people who have phobias.

For example, sedation dentistry can calm patients and can be given in the form of mild sedation, or general anesthesia.

Dentist Samer Itani recommends that patients who are scared schedule time to talk to their oral health professional.

“We suggest you utilize positive conversation with your dentist or hygienist and take whatever time you need beforehand to call us with questions or concerns about your appointment. Stop along the way of treatments or procedures to ask any questions, or even if you just need a break,” said Itani.

Individuals should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Anyone who is afraid of the dentist should talk to their local oral care provider about their options.

Alcohol Exacerbates Oral Health Problems

There are many surprising things that may impact a person’s dental health. While most people know that eating and drinking too many sugary substances, such as soda and candy, and ignoring oral care can cause dental problems, they may not realize the massive impact that alcohol can have on their teeth.

For example, Dentistry.co recently reported on a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology which found that people are three times more likely to suffer from severe gum disease if they are dependent on alcohol compared to those who only drink occasionally.

Furthermore, the chance of having a dental health problem increased if individuals were smokers. The American Dental Association states that smoking may cause oral cancer, stained teeth, bad breath and gum disease.

“The crucial thing to remember is with a good oral hygiene routine, dental problems can be prevented and kept at bay. Developing a good routine and sticking to it will also help to stave off a whole range of health problems, so there is no excuse for poor oral hygiene.” said study authors, quoted by the news source.

Avoid These Common Oral Health Mistakes

Some people may be brushing and flossing every day and still making common dental mistakes that are keeping them from having proper oral health. The Huffington Post published an article explaining some of these mistakes and how to avoid them.

First, the news source said that people should not “snap” floss between their teeth when they are flossing. Instead, gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.

Next, many people brush too hard, which can lead to receding gums and increased tooth sensitivity. Also, while many people believe that brushing right after a meal is the best way to remove leftover food particles, individuals should wait a half hour after eating before brushing.

The American Dental Association (ADA) instead recommends chewing sugar-free gum after a meal to clean teeth.

“If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth,” states the ADA.

Finally, The Huffington Post stated that many people think that waiting a long time between dental visits is acceptable, but it isn’t. Individuals should go to the dentist twice a year.