Dental Hygiene and Dental Checkups
Proper maintenance of oral health is the most important factor in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, which can both result in early tooth loss.
Regular dental hygiene appointments play an important role in maintaining overall health, not just oral health. Missing teeth result in decreased chewing function which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. The bacteria that cause gum disease can, and do, get into the bloodstream and have been shown to be a contributing factor in heart disease and can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control in diabetics. The bacteria in plaque and tartar that builds up on teeth, if inhaled, can cause pneumonia which can have very serious consequences for elderly or immunocompromised patients. Infections from tooth decay can also have very serious repercussions and lead to the hospitalization of thousands of people each year and can even lead to death.
Fortunately these extreme cases of oral health problems are easily preventable with proper maintenance. Visiting your hygienist and dentist twice a year allows for the early detection and early treatment of common problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease (learn more about these common problems in the videos below). The best filling is the one you don’t have! Your dentist and dental hygienist are there to identify and interpret early signs of gum disease and decay to help you prevent future dental work and to address the oral health problems that are beyond maintenance and require repair. It is important to understand that pain, or lack thereof, is a poor indicator of dental health. If you have a toothache or dental pain, this usually means significant damage of tooth, gums and/or bone has probably already occurred. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and your dental team is the frontline of prevention.
When It Comes To Tooth Decay, Early Detection Is Key!
Detecting and correcting tooth decay early is important for healthy teeth.
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
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