What’s the real cost of bad oral health? It’s more than just a trip to the dentist.
Unlike hair, skin, and nails, adult teeth don’t grow back once you’ve lost them. Bad oral health is a slippery slope that can lead to failing or missing teeth. And the impact doesn’t stop there!
Not only do you risk losing the only natural teeth you’ll have with bad oral health, it can impact your overall health as well.
If you have missing or failing teeth and are wondering if it’s too late to fix, don’t lose hope! You can get your oral health, smile, and ability to eat your favorite foods back without having to battle with dentures.
Keep reading to find out how full mouth dental implants may change your life…
**See if you may be eligible for full mouth dental implants with this 60-second quiz**
Risks Associated with Poor Dental Health
Do you remember the numbers from our Brushing Basics article*?
- Over 40 million Americans are missing ALL their teeth
- Over 100 million Americans lack dental insurance
- Over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth
- Over 3.5 billion people worldwide are dealing with the effects of oral disease
Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and getting a professional cleaning once every six months can help you stay out of those statistics. One other way to protect your oral health is to watch for warning signs of oral health issues.
Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing can be a sign of improper flossing technique or a deeper issue like bacterial infection. Bleeding that doesn’t stop may be the beginning of gum disease, which can lead to more severe dental problems.
Mouth or Jaw Pain: Ongoing pain in the mouth or jaw could be a sign of underlying infection, or issues with teeth alignment. Left unchecked, this discomfort can increase and impact overall oral function.
Loose Teeth: In adulthood, loose teeth are often a warning sign of gum disease or bone loss. These conditions can eventually lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Changes in Tooth Surface: Discoloration or a translucent appearance in tooth enamel may be due to acid erosion or other health issues. This can potentially lead to weakened teeth that may be more likely to be damaged or decay.
Bad Breath: Having consistent bad breath, despite taking good care of your teeth, could point to underlying problems like gum disease or other health concerns.
Mouth Sores: Unusual sores or patches in the mouth can be an early warning sign of serious health issues. Without treatment, these problems might contribute to more oral damage.
When These Issues Lead to Failing and Missing Teeth
When oral health problems like gum disease, loose teeth, or jaw pain go untreated, they may lead to irreversible damage.
Gum disease, for instance, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As the infection spreads, it weakens the gum tissue and the bone structure that supports your teeth, eventually causing them to loosen and fall out.
The loss of even a single tooth can set off a chain reaction. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, creating misalignment and further strain on your oral health.
This not only affects your smile but can also lead to difficulties in chewing and speaking.
If you’re facing the challenge of failing or missing teeth, full mouth dental implants could be the solution you need.
At Nuvia, you can receive permanent zirconia teeth in just 24 hours after your implant procedure—no temporary dentures, no waiting months for permanent teeth.
You’ll leave the office with a new set of teeth that are strong, natural-looking, and ready to use.
With full mouth dental implants, you can restore your ability to eat and speak without having to worry about your teeth.
See if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours with this 60-second quiz
Bad Oral Health Can Affect Overall Health
Bad oral health doesn’t just stop at your mouth.
It can have far-reaching effects on your overall health. The mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and when oral hygiene isn’t practiced, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious health problems.
Sources:
American College of Prosthodontics - https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf