As the years go by, your schedule seems to get busier and busier. Therefore, the last thing you have time for is to concern yourself with preventive dentistry, right? Could skipping out on regular visits be detrimental to your oral health and maybe even your overall wellness? Your dentist in Spring Hill tackles these questions and provides expert advice that will help to fortify your dental health!
The Enemy of Oral Health
Before we determine whether preventive dentistry is necessary, let’s identify the primary threat to your oral health – bacteria. These organisms have one objective – to keep moving.
Their main source of sustenance is sugar, and when there are leftover debris from a meal, they feed on it and release acids as they absorb the nutrients. The caustic waste they produce, untreated, can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and a host of other problems.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Every six months, you should visit your dentist for cleanings and examinations, both of which are forms of preventive dentistry. The thorough cleaning you’ll receive will help to remove harmful plaque and tartar that can accumulate on the teeth and along the gum line over time.
The purpose of the examination is to assess the condition of your gums, teeth, jaw and other aspects of your oral health. It also provides an opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have.
Still, there are even more benefits of maintaining these appointments.
Saving Money with Preventive Dentistry
One of the biggest advantages of semi-annual visits is they are typically covered by dental insurance. Thus, by consistently visiting, you’re more likely to see cost breaks down the road as well.
That’s because receiving preventive dentistry shields you from needing more complex restorative procedures that require costly out-of-pocket contributions.
What You Should Know Before Skipping Preventive Care
As eluded to earlier, being proactive about your oral health helps to prevent the development of gum disease, a prevalent condition that affects 85% of adult Americans. The disease doesn’t just impact gum health, though. If not treated, it can eventually lead to serious health issues in different parts of your body.
Here are some of the correlations researchers have discovered:
- Alzheimer’s Disease – The infected blood that flows from the gums can cause plaque development in the brain, which can damage the grey matter – the parts of the brain that aid in cataloging memories.
- Heart Disease – Another issue that can arise from poor gum health is heart disease. The connection between heart health and gum disease is the inflamed blood that travels from the gums and can block the arteries, which can be life-threatening.
- Pancreatic Cancer – Researchers have also found a connection between untreated gum disease and pancreatic cancer. Carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines are produced when there is prolonged bacteria presence in the mouth, and the toxins can eventually move to the pancreas to cause health disruptions.
The good news is you can combat the development of the above problems by maintaining visits to your dentist. It’s also vital to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day. Your proactive efforts won’t be in vain, as they will play a critical role in keeping you healthy and strong for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Loretta Matic is a graduate of the Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in Alton. Throughout her career, she has maintained the same passion for helping patients achieve the best in oral health that she possessed when she first entered the dental field. Dr. Matic provides preventive care at Family Dental Associates, and she can be reached for more information through her website.