The Big Deal About Dental Health

You may sometimes wonder why it is you "have" to get your teeth cleaned every 6 months. Have you ever wondered why you can't go every year, or better, every 4 years (like when you missed that whole block of time while you were in college)? A dental exam checks for signs of tooth decay or damage, gum disease, and oral cancer.  A professional cleaning is needed to remove plaque and tarter from your teeth that normal brushing and flossing cannot remove, including areas below the gumline.  Here are some other good reasons to visit regularly...


1. As mentioned above, everytime I do an exam, I check for oral cancer. Yes, every single time. Lack of care for your teeth and gums has been known to contribute to oral cancer and your dentist can be the first to detect any abnormalities in your mouth.  It is not uncommon for spots to show up under your tongue or the inside of your cheek, places you cannot see yourself.

2. The health of your mouth can mirror the condition of the rest of your body. In other words, if you have an unhealthy mouth, chances are there are aspects of the rest of you that are unhealthy as well.  Research has shown an association between gum disease and other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. 

3. Gingivitis can cause big problems for pregant women. Many studies have proven that what we call "pregnancy gingivitis" is associated with low birth weight and pre-term birth. Many women experience sensitive teeth and gums while pregnant, which is why it is important to stick to your regular check-ups during pregnancy (even if you don't feel like it).

Moral of the story is this, taking care of your mouth by brushing and flossing everyday, watching out for any abnormalities and keeping up with your regular visits can keep you and the rest of your body healthy for a long, long time! Early detection and prevention will help you maintian a healthy smile for your lifetime!  It's quick, it's easy and it's worth it!



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