5 Issues With Oral Health In Jacksonville That Can Affect Your Entire Body

Many people are surprised to hear that their teeth and gums affect their general health. But your oral health and general health are very much connected! Spending time caring for your smile at home and getting regular checkups is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Your smile will be in great shape and you’ll reduce your risks for many diseases at the same time. It’s a win-win! Keep reading to find out how 5 common problems with oral health in Jacksonville can lead to surprising consequences.

1. Missing Teeth

You may think that losing a few teeth isn’t a big deal. But even missing just one tooth causes other problems that cost you more time and money to fix later on, including:

• Difficulty eating and speaking clearly
• Bone loss in the jaws that changes your facial structure, leading to an aged appearance
• Other teeth shifting or tipping forward into the empty space, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum problems

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. But researchers have found overwhelming evidence that it also impacts overall health in many ways. It’s been found to increase the risk for:

• Heart disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Some cancers

3. Cavities

A cavity is actually a type of infection in a tooth. If it’s not treated by a restorative dentist in Jacksonville, it can turn into a larger, more serious type of infection or abscess.

This can lead to an excruciating toothache, but it can also become dangerous or even life-threatening if it’s not addressed early enough.

4. Metal Fillings

Research on the impact of metal fillings is ongoing and the risks aren’t entirely clear. However, since there’s a possibility that metal fillings contribute to health problems, it certainly doesn’t hurt to avoid them.

Not to mention that metal fillings can lead to cracks and fractures in your teeth much more easily than tooth-colored fillings.

This occurs because metal expands and contracts rapidly in response to hot and cold. These big swings in temperature put pressure on the surrounding tooth structure, eventually causing cracks and fractures.

5. Crooked Teeth

Many people want to correct a crooked smile for cosmetic reasons, but it has other consequences. First, crooked teeth make it difficult to keep your teeth and gums clean, leading to inflammation in your mouth and an increased likelihood of cavities. A misaligned bite can also cause problems with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

These 5 oral health problems can seriously impact your body. But the good news is that a few good habits at home, along with regular dental care, are effective ways to maintain a healthy mouth and body at the same time!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson is a family dentist and a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. His goal is to improve the oral health of his patients, while also helping them lead long, healthy lives. That’s why he provides comprehensive dental care and educates his patients about the link between their mouth and body. If you have any other questions about oral health in Jacksonville, he can be reached via his website.