It is easy to see how poor habits when it comes to your oral care can lead to problems with your teeth and gums. Learning that poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to cavities and periodontal disease will probably fail to shock you. However, you might not realize just how much influence your oral health can have on your overall well-being. An untreated cavity will allow bacteria the chance to infiltrate the interior of a tooth, and even spread to your jawbone through the root of that tooth. When bacteria from gum disease enter your bloodstream, they can increase your risk for several serious problems, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Watch Out For Signs Of Gum Disease

Protecting yourself against gum disease can help you limit your risk for health complications, and lower your risk for tooth loss later in life. If you notice that your gums are more sensitive, or seem swollen, you may have an infection that needs to be dealt with. A tendency to bleed during brushing can also be a troubling sign. If gum disease goes unaddressed, it can worsen, and eventually become a lasting threat to your overall health.

What Can Happen If You Ignore A Cavity

If your dentist has the opportunity to promptly treat a cavity, your tooth can be fine after its removal, and the placement of a dental filling. If you leave time for tooth decay to worsen, you could find yourself in the dentist’s chair for a root canal – this procedure is used to address an infection that has reached the interior of your tooth. If enough time passes, it can become necessary to protect your oral health by extracting your tooth.

Talk To Brighton Family Dental If You Are Worried About Your Dental Health

At Brighton Family Dental Group, our office is committed to keeping you in good health. Remember, the care you provide your smile can impact your overall well-being. Regular dental checkups can help keep your smile in better condition, which can have a positive overall effect for your health. You can schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Thomas Villani or Dr. Richard Kondrat by calling our office at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, and all other surrounding areas.