Time, money and fear of the dentist are usually the most common reasons people avoid going to the dentist, but ignoring a toothache can be a slippery slope. When you don’t take care of it right, you are opening yourself up to further teeth and gum issues including gum disease and tooth loss.

Here are some dental issues you need to look out for:

Cavities, Tooth Loss

You may think that twinge or sensitivity in that tooth is really nothing and will resolve on its own, but it is only going to get worse. Most likely the toothache is because of decay in your tooth and tooth decay leads to cavities. And if you don’t get cavities fixed you will eventually start losing your teeth. Don’t wait to take proper care of your teeth until you start to develop problems because once you get stuck in a cycle of having to get fillings and root canals, it is hard to get out of it. It can get quite expensive to fix your teeth and gums and on top of that you will find yourself always embarrassed by the condition of your mouth.

Periodontal Disease

An unresolved toothache can also lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth and in your gums causing inflammation known has gingivitis. And if you are avoiding the dentist to fix the toothache you are probably not going in for your regular 6 month cleaning at the dentist either which will only make the situation worse.

If left unchecked, gingivitis will lead to full blown periodontal disease which is not only associated with increased risk for cavities and tooth loss, but also increased risk for heart disease.

Study upon study has shown that people who also have periodontal disease are also likely to have atherosclerosis in the carotid artery in the neck. And the clogging of this artery can result in a stroke. Basically, the plaque buildup in your mouth is connected to the plaque buildup in your arteries.

If you have bleeding and swollen gums, you should also have yourself checked out by your general practitioner for diabetes. Often times this is a sign of poor sugar control which is indicative of diabetes. Did you also know that poor oral health can also lead to gestational diabetes in pregnant women?

If you also tend to always have bad breath, bleeding gums, dry mouth and your teeth are starting to feel lose, then you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

All this can be stopped in its tracks though if you just get your toothache looked at. You may need a filling or at worse a crown if the decay traveled far, but at least you can stop the decay in its tracks before it spreads to your other teeth and gums. It is a lot easier to treat it the sooner you catch the problem.

Here are some other tips for improving your dental health:

• Brush and floss your teeth and gums thoroughly. Don’t skimp on these important daily routines. Make sure you get rid of all the buildup of food and bacteria between your teeth and your gums. No matter how tired or rushed you are in the morning or before bed, take the time to maintain proper hygiene. Ask your dentist if there are certain dental tools that you can use to make the whole process easier.
• Stay away from foods that are filled with sugar like sweets and try to eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins and carbohydrates. Healthy fats like those found in butter, olive oil and avocados are good for your teeth and bones. And fermented foods like yogurt have a good bacteria that can help get rid of the bad bacteria in your mouth.
• Don’t forget to go to the dentist every 6 months for a good cleaning. The dental hygienist will give your teeth and gums a really good cleaning and will let you know if there are any problem spots brewing that might need to be fixed by the dentist.
• If you have crooked teeth or a bite issue, get evaluated by an orthodontist. These issues make it more difficult to clean your teeth and gums properly and cause a lot more wear and tear on your teeth and gums.

Of course, fear of the dentist and lack of money may still be issues but you need to find a way to resolve them because your dental health is too important to ignore. If you don’t think you can get over your fear of going to the dentist then enlist family and friends to help you out. Confide in them about your situation and see if they have a dentist they can recommend one who knows how best to soothe their patients’ anxieties. The availability of pain-free dental technology today will surprise you and make the all experience a lot more pleasant. Make sure to do your research before picking one to make sure that the dentist you choose also has the right experience and skill level.

If you don’t have dental insurance or you don’t have the money for procedures that cost extra, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Dentists care about you and want you to be healthy. Consult with a few dentists to find one that offers a payment plan you can afford. Most of them will work with you.

If your dentist suggest braces to help with your oral care, don’t panic because orthodontists too offer a variety of payment options. If you have a small mouth or a lot of crooked teeth, it can be harder to get your mouth as clean as you need to because of food particles and bacteria getting stuck in hard to reach places. If you tend to get a lot of cavities, braces can really transform your dental health.

For more information, contact Dental Wellness Phoenixville today.