Going to the dentist regularly is more than maintaining healthy teeth. Regular dental visits can help you feel better and prevent serious diseases from developing.
The dental profession is more than just about fixing your teeth. They provide professional cleanings that ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.
Although it may seem small, missing a dental appointment can have a significant impact on your oral and overall health. It’s a great idea to keep up with your check-ups and dental cleanings.
A dental checkup can uncover many potential problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and cancer, diabetes, AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, sinus issues, jaw disorders, and other conditions.
Gum Diseases Can Spread
Periodontitis, or gum disease, occurs when bacteria-laden plaque and tartar build-up between teeth. It is located near the gum line. It can cause tooth loss, as well as infection, spreading to other parts of your body and attacking your immune system.
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is often mild and not always obvious. Your dentist will check your mouth for pockets (periodontal spaces) between your gums and teeth. This is often a sign of gum disease.
Routine dental visits also include a professional cleaning to clean out plaque and tartar. Regular scaling and cleaning can reduce your risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Regular brushing and flossing will not remove tartar. Your dentist and dental hygienist have special tools that can do the job. They also help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Gum infections have been linked to a decrease in cognitive skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 3, older people with Periodontitis scored worse in memory tests than those with healthy gums.
Gum disease may be connected to rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints. Experts agree that gum disease and RA both cause the destruction or inflammation of connective tissues.
Infections can affect other parts of the body, as well as gum problems. Septicemia can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Septicemia, also known as blood poisoning and sepsis, is a condition in which the bloodstream becomes infected. It can spread throughout the body.
Looking For Signs Of Cancer?
The survival rate for cancer is good if it’s caught early. Your dentist will examine your mouth and throat for signs of cancer. A mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks could be an indicator of head or neck carcinoma.
Bleeding, discolored spots on the gums or tongue, abnormal bite function, and cysts are all signs of cancer that your dentist will look out for. A general health problem can also include infection of lymph nodes and glands in the neck.
If you smoke, drink, or both, your dentist will explain the relationship between oral cancer and tobacco and alcohol usage.
Regular visits to your dentist include an examination to check the health of your oral tissues. Malignancies may also be detected and treated with a biopsy.
Diabetes Detection
Gum disease may be a sign that you have diabetes. It weakens your body’s ability against infection. Diabetes can be controlled by preventive dental care that addresses gum infections.
You may also notice gum abscesses and bone loss. If you suspect that you might have diabetes, your dentist will refer to you for further testing. If you have diabetes and are already being treated by a dentist, you will be recommended to visit your dentist more often.
You may also have halitosis or persistent bad breath. Your dentist will tell you that it can be a sign of diabetes.
Sinusitis happens when the nasal cavities are infected. You may mistake it as a dental issue because the upper teeth roots are located in the same area.
Other Benefits Of Regular Dental Visits
Your dentist will also be alerted if there are any issues with your jaws. TMJ (temporomandibular Joints) disorders that can be caused by misalignment or poor bite function may require orthodontic treatment.
Another health benefit to visiting the dentist is the examination of your tongue. Sometimes, a sore tongue could be a sign you are suffering from vitamin deficiency, cancer, or AIDS.
Another benefit of regular dental appointments is the ability to show off your smile and boost self-confidence.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Bodily
Regular visits to the dentist are important to maintain good oral health. It also allows your dentist to look for other health issues that may be present. It is possible to address any oral issues quickly before they become more severe.
While it might not be something you enjoy, visiting your dentist every six months is an important reminder. Regular visits to your dentist will do more than ensure a bright smile. A healthy mouth is a healthy body. You can also do booking a dentist online.