There are hidden dangers in poor oral health, after all, complete overall health begins at the mouth. What one consumes and how one maintain their teeth and gums can have positive or negative effects on the body. Poor oral maintenance could cause problems such as cavities, tooth decay and even periodontal disease. However, it doesn’t stop there. Neglecting your teeth, gums and dental visits with your dentist can exacerbate this problem.
Unfortunately, other health problems that arise or are exacerbated by poor oral maintenance and preventative treatment, isn’t always readily detectible. In most cases, some of these problems will persist without your knowledge. This is one of the many reasons that getting frequent dental care and bi-annual visits to a dentist is important, “DIAGNOSIS!”
Potential Links to Higher Prevalence
According to public studies, there is an observable link to poor oral health and a higher prevalence of some known diseases such as:
- Respiratory infection
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Physical decline
- Cognitive decline
In a research study’s on tooth loss and overall health decline, an independent association was linked between tooth loss and both cognitive and physical decline over a 4-year period. This research study was conducted on participants between the ages of 60 and 74. The study was conducted in England between the 2002-2003 cycle until the 2012-2013 cycle. The study aims to highlight the association of tooth loss with other comorbid health conditions.
Respiratory Infections
In a report by the American Academy of Periodontology. The report highlights research published in the Journal of Periodontology, which makes the suggestions that infectious respiratory diseases or the prevalence thereof, could be decreased significantly by avoiding periodontal diseases. Some of the diseases that Periodontal disease could contribute to are pneumonia and pulmonary disease.
Diabetes and Dementia
These two diseases are in their own separate category, but we will delve into them here. Diabetes is a difficult one, we can have a higher prevalence to perio disease if you have diabetes. Similarly, you are at a higher level of susceptibility or acquiring diabetes if you already have periodontal disease. Additionally, according to the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, poor mental and physical performance in senior citizens can be attributed to tooth loss and periodontal disease. Frequent dental care is a great method for preventative treatment.
Tooth Loss Treatment at your Local dentist
Tooth loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Moreover, there are alternative steps one can take prior to having complete loss of teeth. Some of these steps could be considering treatment options that could further reduce deterioration of the gums and tooth enamel. You could try some of the following options.
- Root canal for toothaches.
- Get a dental crown if the tooth is cracked or decayed.
- Get a bridge if the tooth is too decayed to save.
- Get a dental implant.
Root Canal
The root canal is a great way to stop the pain from a toothache that only gets worse, while you keep as much of the tooth as you can. It can then be sealed with bonding or concrete, similarly, used in crowns. A root canal could cost you as much as $1,200 per session. This is ideal if you want to keep the tooth and minimize cost and pain.
Dental Crown
If the top portion of the tooth is decayed, a dentist will shave that portion off without getting too close to the root of the tooth. This is done to prep the tooth for the use of a dental crown and an alternative to tooth extraction. Dental crowns could cost you between $800 to $1,200 per crown.
Dental Bridge:
If the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction will be recommended, and alternative options will be provided for a suitable replacement such as a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Dental Implant
The costliest method of replacing a tooth is a dental implant and can run you up to $5,000 per dental implant. It is a two-step process where the implant is inserted, you wait for it to heal, and a dental crown is placed over it to complete the natural look and feel of a real tooth.