Why Are Dentists one of the Best Doctors for Disease Prevention?
There are many reasons why regular dental appointments are vital to the health of your mouth and the health of your body. Did you know that an unhealthy mouth has been linked to a higher risk of:
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart Disease and endocarditis
Why Should You Visit the Dentist often?
When you visit the dentist regularly, there is a much better chance of catching dental problems when they are still minor and easily treatable. You don’t want to wait until you have pain to visit the dentist; by then it could easily be too late, and you will either need more extensive dental treatment or even have your tooth extracted.
What Should I look out for in between dental appointments?
Prevention of gum and periodontal disease can only happen with regular visits to your dentist. The only sign you may notice of gum or periodontal disease is that your gums may bleed a little. Your dentist will take x-rays and check your gums and bone levels to make sure you are not losing the vital hard and soft tissue support around your teeth. With regular visits to your dentist, you will also learn what works and what doesn’t to keep your mouth clean and healthy. You may not notice anything at all; meanwhile bacterial plaque is eating away at your tooth enamel.
What can happen if I don't keep regular visits?
- Untreated tooth decay becoming a need for a root canal or tooth extraction
- Untreated gum infection becoming a need for periodontal treatment
- Untreated periodontal disease becoming a need for a tooth extraction
- Tooth extraction becoming a need for a partial or denture
You should visit the dentist every six months to one year, and more often if you have periodontal issues or are prone to tooth decay.