A bright smile can do a lot. It can lift someone’s mood, help you make new friends and even show how healthy you are. But keeping that smile healthy takes work. You need to brush and floss every day, and you should visit the dentist at least twice a year. If you skip dental care, you may develop problems that affect not only your mouth but your whole body. Today, many dentists believe that issues like cavities, tooth decay and gum disease are linked to long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Understanding these connections can help you protect your health.
Common Dental Problems in Adults
Dental issues can happen for many reasons, including age, smoking, drinking alcohol and missing regular dental checkups. Understanding factors like dental implants cost can also encourage people to maintain their oral health. Here are some problems that routine visits can help prevent:
Gum disease:
Early gum disease makes your gums swollen, red and likely to bleed when brushing. If it worsens, bacteria can move under the gumline and damage the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Over time, gums may pull away from the teeth. Gum disease is very common, especially among older adults.
Dry mouth:
As people age, they often produce less saliva. That may not seem serious, but saliva protects your teeth by washing away food and neutralizing acids. Without enough saliva, acids stay on the teeth longer, making decay more likely.
Tooth decay and cavities:
When bacteria in your mouth combine with food, they form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can lead to cavities — small holes in the teeth. Dentists fix cavities with fillings. If a cavity is not treated, the decay can spread, cause infection and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
How the Mouth Affects the Body
Many dental problems begin with bacteria. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums or infected teeth. Once in the blood, they can travel throughout the body, causing inflammation and raising the risk of several diseases.
Heart disease and stroke:
Poor brushing habits, gum disease and missing teeth can increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Bacteria from the mouth may infect heart valves or contribute to clogged arteries.
Diabetes:
People with diabetes have higher sugar levels in their blood and saliva, which encourages bacteria and increases the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can also raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.
Lung infections and kidney disease:
For people with lung conditions, mouth bacteria can make infections worse. Gum disease may also worsen chronic kidney disease.
Digestive problems:
Some oral bacteria can survive stomach acid and reach the intestines, where they may cause inflammation and digestive disorders.
How to Care for Your Teeth
See a dentist every six months so problems can be found early. Use a soft toothbrush and ask your dentist which toothpaste is best for you. A fluoride toothpaste may help prevent cavities. Look for mouthwash with prebiotics to support healthy bacteria. Avoid smoking, since it increases the risk of gum disease.
