In full disclosure, I am not a medical professional. The information in this blog is for general purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please contact your healthcare provider for any medical advice.
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Another aspect of a happier life is understanding dental health.
While many focus on emotional well-being, physical health, including dental care, is important for continued happiness. A friend’s recent experience with her husband suffering a heart attack and stroke and later discovered the cause was a dental abscess (“a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection in the gums, teeth or jawbone”). The infection from the abscess allowed bacteria to enter his bloodstream, which then traveled to other parts of his body, leading to his severe health issues.
The inner lining of his heart chambers was affected, and the infected heart valves led to blood clots (small clumps blocking blood flow) that traveled to other parts of the body, stopping the blood flow to the heart.
His experience highlights the critical need to maintain good dental hygiene to prevent several health complications.
When visiting a dental office, you will encounter either the dentist (who performs various procedures) or the dental hygienist (who cleans the teeth) for treatment.
Common Dental Issues:
1. Cavities, a common dental issue, can be influenced by genetics, poor or inadequate hygiene, or consuming high-sugar or acidic foods. The damaged areas of the teeth are caused by plaque buildup and bacteria in the mouth that produce acids, affecting the teeth’s enamel. However, cavities are largely preventable.
Untreated cavities can lead to serious health problems. Teeth have nerves, and if cavities reach the nerve, infections could set in and spread to other parts of the body. Regular dental care is essential in preventing or identifying unexpected health issues early.
2. Gingivitis, a common and mild form of gum disease, is often a result of poor dental care. Symptoms may include irritation, redness, swelling, and inflammation of the gums, often due to plaque accumulation. Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis is necessary, as it could lead to tooth loss and other health issues.
Gingivitis could also lead to periodontitis, another level or more severe gum disease that causes gum abscesses, receding gums, loose teeth, tooth loss, painful chewing, a bad taste in the mouth, and bad breath. Sometimes, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart and lungs.
3. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth when acid is released. It is best practice to clean away plaque when it is soft. Once the plaque turns hard, it is difficult to clean and could damage the tooth, causing tooth loss and cavities.
Some foods and drinks that cause plaque buildup are sugar, starchy foods, soft drinks, sports drinks, hard and chewy candies, eating between meals, certain fruits, and apple cider vinegar. Drinking water after meals could help minimize plaque buildup.
4. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. It is caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup on the teeth, which can harden into tartar.
A few symptoms include consistent bad breath, red gums and bleeding gums, and inflamed and swollen gums, which contribute to the inflammation spreading to other areas of the mouth.
5. A Root Canal procedure is needed to treat infection once the tooth is damaged or has decay buildup that exposes the pulp. Infections are caused by deep cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, or injured teeth that cause nerve damage.
6. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that corrects irregularities and abnormalities of the teeth and jaws (braces, Invisalign, retainers, etc.). The specialist aligns the teeth, corrects bite problems (overbites, underbites, crossbites), and improves overall aesthetic appearance.
7. Tooth Inflammation refers to the swelling and irritation of the tissues surrounding the tooth. It could occur inward when bacteria enter through a cavity or a crack around the tooth, and if not treated, it can sometimes lead to a root canal. However, a simple and effective remedy- rinsing with warm salt water may reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort, providing a sense of reassurance and comfort.
8. Tooth ABSCESS is a localized infection of pus caused by bacteria in the tooth or surrounding structures. This can cause inflammation, resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes pus formation. It is a bacterial infection that occurs at the root of the tooth or in surrounding gum tissue, affecting the soft tissue or bone of a tooth. Examples include untreated cavities and injury to prior dental work. Other symptoms include a throbbing toothache that could spread to the jawbone, neck, or ears, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and other symptoms.
Maintaining healthy gums is essential and can be achieved through regular brushing (twice daily), flossing (at least once daily), routine dental visits, and, most importantly, avoiding tobacco. Smoking stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is also crucial for gum health. Let’s prioritize our oral health for a happier, healthier life.
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Very informative and well written. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for the informative article.