For many, a routine dental visit often seems like a chore and feels unnecessary: why have to pay to have your teeth cleaned when you do it daily at home?
Dentistry doesn’t always seem as important as those regular physicals with the family doc. But it is!
What most people don’t realize is the strong connection between dental health and overall physical health. Poor dental health can affect and be affected by bigger health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. In most cases, patients don’t realize they have a developing oral health issue until it has become either an emergency or is causing additional dental health issues.
Visiting the dentist regularly for preventive care offers many benefits and is important for overall health. It is an investment in your healthcare that will “pay off” in the future.
Benefits of preventive dentistry:
- Dental cleanings are more thorough than at home brushing: our dental hygienists will clean all tooth surfaces and polish the enamel, noting if teeth appear worn or damaged.
- Dental exams and x-rays can spot possible problems in the early stage.
- Oral health can often be a window into overall health: larger problems may be spotted early on as they begin to affect dental health, often apparent in gum health.
- Patients who visit the dentist twice per year as recommended experience better long term dental health and quality of life.
Avoiding the dentist and allowing dental problems to go untreated for long periods of time can eventually lead to complex problems- even tooth loss.
For the adult and senior patient, a healthy smile can directly affect daily routines: patients with missing teeth or poor oral health may have to make dietary adjustments and may avoid social situations if speech has been affected.
Maintain your smile. It is an important part of you – and your overall health!