Many young adults completely put off going to the dentist. Perhaps they do not want to shell out the money for a dental visit, or maybe they just don’t see the need to visit the dentist when they are not experiencing any problems.

Unfortunately, failure to visit the dentist as a young adult could lead to both short- and long-term problems.

Short-Term Dental Issues

There are several immediate consequences that you need to know about when it comes to avoiding the dentist:

Swelling. If you have an untreated cavity that becomes infected but fail to treat it, you could suffer swelling in your mouth. Your cheeks might even puff up, so not only will you be in pain, but you’ll also have the appearance of a chipmunk.

Spreading decay. If your teeth are not checked periodically, you might not have any idea about the decay you have going on in your mouth. You might even need a filling or crown to correct the problem.

Long-Term Dental Consequences

Young people often fail to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. Unfortunately, failing to get proper dental health while they are young could lead to some serious problems down the road:

Alzheimer’s Disease. Certain studies have shown that tooth decay and tooth loss under the age of 35 could be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

Diabetes. Over 25 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and if you have untreated gum disease, it could be more difficult to control your glucose levels. This will increase your risk of complications.

Endocarditis. This is an infection of the heart lining, and it can occur if the bacteria from gum disease travel to the heart through the bloodstream. Other heart complications could also result if this bacteria causes inflammation, including stroke and clogged arteries.

Poor oral health can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding dental care.

Please contact us if you have any questions about why young adults need early dentistry.