7 Alarming Signs That You Don’t Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

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Proper oral hygiene is extremely important if you want to have healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, many people don't brush and floss their teeth thoroughly. As a result, the bacteria in their oral cavities thrive and lead to the development of various oral issues. In this article, we have gathered seven alarming signs that you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene

1. You have bad breath

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to bad breath, and poor oral hygiene is one of the most common. Bad breath can occur If you don't brush your teeth twice a day and don't use dental floss daily. The bacteria in your mouth accumulate and produce an unpleasant odor. You should understand that bad breath can make communication with such a person uncomfortable for other people.

2. You have tartar accumulation

Tartar is a hard deposit that forms from dental plaque that hasn’t been removed for a few days. Tartar usually develops between the teeth and near the gum line. If tartar build-up is significant, it can irritate the gums and make them more prone to gum disease. Moreover, tartar can worsen the look of your smile. Proper oral hygiene and regular teeth cleaning procedures at the dental clinic can help remove tartar and prevent its aggravation. 

3. You have dark and stained teeth

Many foods and drinks that you consume contain pigments that can attach to your tooth enamel and make it look dark and stained. If you don't brush your teeth thoroughly, these pigments get deeper into your teeth and worsen their look. Regular tooth brushing and rinsing your mouth after eating high-pigmented foods and drinks can decrease your risk of developing an unsightly smile. 

4. You have bleeding gums

Poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of gum disease. This condition usually manifests through bad breath and bleeding gums. Unfortunately, many people neglect the early symptoms of gum disease, resulting in severe complications like tooth loss and bone deterioration. In the initial stages of gum disease, it can be easily treated with the help of proper oral hygiene in combination with medications and non-invasive treatments. 

5. You have cavities

Tooth decay (cavities or caries) is an extremely common condition that affects both children and adults worldwide. This condition occurs when the tooth enamel softens because of acids produced by bacteria and the tooth develops a hole. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive and produce acids if you don't maintain proper oral hygiene. That’s why poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of tooth decay. 

6. You have sensitive teeth

Teeth sensitivity is a common issue that causes severe toothache that lasts for a moment when teeth become exposed to hot or cold temperatures. These issues can occur in people who have gum disease, tooth decay, and dental abscess. However, people who don’t maintain proper oral hygiene can develop enamel erosion, a condition in which tooth enamel becomes too thin. As a result, their teeth can become extremely sensitive. 

7. You have receding gums

Gum recession is a condition in which your gums shrink. This condition can occur as a result of gum disease, smoking, aggressive tooth brushing, teeth grinding, hormonal fluctuations, and poor oral hygiene. Without timely and effective treatment, gum recession can make your teeth loose or even fall out. 

The bottom line

You should understand that the condition of your teeth and gums depends on many factors. Proper oral hygiene, as well as a healthy diet and regular dental exams, are the most important of them. If you want to prevent the development of the aforementioned issues, you need to pay sufficient attention to your oral care.