La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Orthodontic treatment creates beautiful smiles that patients love to show off. However, the cosmetic benefits aren’t the only important benefits orthodontic patients receive. Skipping orthodontic treatment can take a toll on your smile and your overall health.
“Straighter teeth aren’t just more attractive, they are easier to keep clean,” says Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics. “Crooked and crowded teeth make it harder for your toothbrush or floss to adequately remove plaque and over time this can lead to decay, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss.”
People choose to forego orthodontic treatment for many reasons but one of the most common is the cost. While the cost of orthodontic treatment today is fairly reasonable and there are a host of ways to pay for it, the cost of skipping treatment needs to be factored in before making a final decision.
Being unable to properly clean your teeth because they are crooked and crowded leaves you at a higher risk for developing decay and cavities. But not only that, the plaque and tartar buildup that can remain leaves you at risk for gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause inflamed, bleeding gums and even tooth loss. Plaque buildup can lead to tender and swollen gums and if left untreated, it begins to pull the gum tissue away from the teeth. This leaves the bacteria able to destroy the underlying bone that supports the teeth. With nothing then to anchor the tooth into the gum, tooth loss can occur.
The bacteria in your mouth that are linked to periodontal disease are also linked to other problems such as heart disease and diabetes. In fact, scientists have linked several health problems to gum disease, including heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and premature birth.
People who suffer from gum disease are more likely to also have poor heart health and tend to be more susceptible to heart attacks. And people who have diabetes are more likely to also have gum disease. Researchers have also found that people with periodontal issues are at an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
“The exact reasons why gum disease is linked to these other issues aren’t completely understood,” says Dr. Gire. “But inflammation is a large part of it. It is important to take proper care of your mouth to stave off gum disease and decay. A healthy mouth can mean a healthier body.”
While not every patient may require orthodontics, visiting an orthodontist to see if orthodontic treatment may help you improve your smile and your oral health is always a good idea. Before you say no to orthodontic treatment over the cost or hassle, it is crucial to think about what skipping orthodontic treatment could do to your smile in the long run.
Call us today for a free consultation if you have any questions. Gire Orthodontics of La Habra: 562-690-1199 or Gire Orthodontics of Chino Hills: 909-393-9911.