It’s no secret that seeing a dentist regularly is important for your oral health. However, many people don’t see the importance of dentistry beyond fixing cavities and other dental problems. Did you know that dentists can help you maintain a healthy smile and also detect other health problems? In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of seeing a dentist regularly and why it is crucial for your overall health!
Your teeth are not just for show, they are also an important part of your digestive system. When you eat, your teeth break down the food so that your stomach can better digest it. This process is essential for getting the nutrients your body needs from the food you eat. If you don’t see a dentist regularly, you may not be able to properly break down your food and absorb all of the nutrients.
In addition to helping with digestion, regular dental appointments can also help prevent other health problems. For example, did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease? That’s right – by keeping your gums healthy, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease!
Cavities are not just a kid’s disease – adults get cavities, too
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 65 and older has untreated cavities. If you don’t see a dentist regularly, you are more likely to develop cavities due to plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Tartar is a hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed. When plaque and tartar are not removed, they can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
In addition to cavities, gum disease is another reason why it’s important to see a dentist regularly. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the bone around your teeth. Although cavities are not only adolescent-related, it is important to develop healthy dental habits at an early age.
Cavities and gum disease are not the only dental problems that can be prevented with regular dental appointments. Dentists can also spot early signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly if it is not detected early. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Of those 53,000 people, only about 57% will still be alive in five years.
Early detection is key to surviving oral cancer, and dentists are trained to spot the early signs of the disease. During a routine dental appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth for any abnormal growths or changes in your mouth tissue. If anything suspicious is found, your dentist will order further testing.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health problems
While it’s important to see a dentist regularly for your oral health, did you know that dentists can help detect other health problems? Research has shown that there is a link between poor oral health and diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which is a form of gum disease. In addition, people with diabetes are more likely to develop complications from periodontal diseases, such as tooth loss.
What is periodontal disease? A periodontal disease is a form of gum disease that can destroy the bone around your teeth. If you have periodontal disease, you may experience bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
So, now that you know the importance of seeing a dentist regularly, be sure to schedule an appointment! And don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily!
Dental work is not as expensive as you might think
It’s no secret that seeing a dentist regularly is important for your oral health. However, many people don’t see the importance of regular dental appointments until they experience a problem. Dental work is not as expensive as you might think, and many dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings and X-rays.
What are some procedures patients may have to undergo during these dental visits? We thought you’d never ask!
- Teeth cleaning: During teeth cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Tartar is a hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed.
- X-rays: X-rays are important for detecting problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
- Fillings: Fillings are used to treat cavities. Cavities are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel due to plaque and tartar build-up.
- Crowns: Crowns are used to cover damaged or misshapen teeth. They can also be used to support a dental bridge.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.
How to know if your insurance covers certain dental procedures? If you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance that it covers some of the cost of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings and X-rays. However, coverage for other procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and implants, varies from plan to plan. To find out if your insurance plan covers a particular procedure, contact your insurance company or ask your dentist.
Some dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and implants, are more expensive than others. If you’re concerned about the cost of a particular procedure, be sure to ask your dentist about payment options. Many dentists offer financing plans that can make paying for dental work more affordable.
Scheduling with Gary C. Demetriou, D.M.D.
Regular dental appointments are important for your oral health, and there’s no need to worry about the cost! Dental insurance plans cover the cost of many preventive care procedures, such as teeth cleanings and X-rays. So be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist today!