Poor oral hygiene over a long period of time will have a number of negative consequences. The only way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to be consistent with your oral care routine. If you regularly skip out on all or part of proper oral care tasks like brushing, flossing, and going to preventative appointments then you will experience negative consequences such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, and potentially other health issues.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is typically the first issue that people think of in relation to poor oral hygiene. As kids we all learn that we will get cavities if we eat too much candy and don’t brush our teeth. Decay is still a potential problem in adulthood and can be caused by the things you consume every day. Bacteria in your mouth can interact with elements in the food you eat and cause decay. If you fail to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly you can expect to have issues with decay. Once tooth decay begins it will continue to worsen until you take steps to stop the spread.

Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious potential consequence of poor oral hygiene. Food particles and bacteria between your teeth and at the gumline can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease. Tartar near the gumline can also lead to problems. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that will progress to a more serious type of gum disease called periodontitis. If you do not take steps to protect your gums from disease you will experience pain, bleeding, receding gums, and potentially tooth loss. You can keep your gums healthy with basic oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.

Bad breath

Some people experience bad breath despite their good oral hygiene routine. In those cases, the bad breath is caused by another underlying factor. But the reality is that most persistent bad breath is a result of poor oral hygiene. There is no way to keep your breath smelling fresh without brushing and flossing regularly.

Tooth loss

One of the most serious consequences of poor oral hygiene is tooth loss. Losing teeth because of decay or gum disease is often accompanied by pain and discomfort. And, when you lose teeth it also results in a loss of functionality. The solutions for tooth loss include options such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Other health issues

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to other health issues that seem totally unrelated. For example, an infection in your gums can potentially spread and cause infection in other areas of your body. Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to other serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The negative consequences of poor oral hygiene are far reaching and can be long-lasting. You can avoid a lot of pain by taking consistent and proper care of your teeth. And, as a bonus, proper oral care can also help you keep your teeth looking good. If you need help getting your oral health back under control, schedule an appointment at Dental Remedies.