Your routine oral health is linked directly to your overall health and wellness, yet many people are hesitant to schedule those regular visits to the dentist for preventative exams and cleanings. We are going to review the five most common reasons you should consider regular visits to the dentist; and once you have read through, we think you’ll agree that is better to work on wellness rather than stare down possible health issues that could have easily been avoided.
Family Dentistry focuses on unique oral health concerns at every stage of your life. While our needs change relative to our age, there is a base of family dental services that are tried and true and these are the first in our list of reasons dental health is important.
1. Dental Exams and Cleanings:
You might be thinking that brushing your teeth every day is all that is needed and what would be the difference for a dental hygienist to do the same. Dental hygienists are trained healthcare professionals who perform complete in-depth evaluation of your teeth and gums. Examination of your teeth will help reveal possible tooth decay or gum disease, while cleanings help to remove plaque and tartar. Once the teeth have been cleared of any buildup, each tooth will be polished and flossed. You will leave feeling like a million bucks!
2. Avoid Disease and Complications:
Some chronic health conditions can complicate or even exacerbate oral diseases. In turn oral health diseases and the accompanying bacteria can increase the risk of other health conditions and cause possible infection in the blood stream to other parts of the body. X-rays and complete examinations help to prevent and/or provide early detection of any possible diseases or complications including oral cancer screenings. These examinations and x-rays are performed safely and with little to no discomfort. Get ahead and stay ahead of any issues!
3. Keep Your Teeth and Extend Your Life:
Examinations and cleanings twice annually can help to prevent tooth loss from gum disease or decay. Losing even a single tooth can affect the remaining teeth and introduce shifting and potential bone loss and further decay. Keep your teeth by practicing every day oral health brushing and flossing, watch your diet and specifically your sugar intake, limit alcohol and tobacco use, exercise in support of strong muscles and bones, and see your dentist! Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology studies have shown that those who have 20 of their own teeth at the age of 70 had considerably higher chances of living longer lives.
4. Boost Self-Confidence:
A healthy mouth equates to a healthy level of self-confidence. Tooth loss or poor oral health can take a toll on a person’s self-confidence. The lack of confidence to even produce a smile can be a deterrent in effective everyday communication, and more importantly during those times where first impressions are critical for self-advancement. Self-confidence comes not only from healthy appearance of your teeth and gums, but also from your overall health and wellbeing reflective in your disposition.
5. Long-term Health Benefits from Regular Checks and Balance:
Persons who visit their family dentist once every six months, are given the opportunity to create what is essentially a health checks and balance. Like other physicians, your dentists will learn about your overall health history and any recent changes. Family Dentistry will provide services including general and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to the exams and cleanings, general services include dentures, oral cancer screenings, fillings, and gum disease treatments. Cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, crowns and veneers, implant restorations and bridges. This level of patient resources, frequent and open communication, and thorough checks and balance on your overall health; is exactly the mix needed for long-term health benefits.