It seems like every day we uncover more and more evidence linking the health of our mouths with the health of our bodies. Healthy blood sugar levels have been linked to healthy gums. A strong immune system is linked to healthy soft oral tissues. And good fiber intake is linked to a healthy digestive system (and since most fiber is crunchy, the strength of our teeth is linked to digestion as well).
Now, more than ever, it’s clear how important professional dental cleanings and dental exams are to our health and well being, and not just to our smiles. Brushing and flossing at home are certainly important, and everyone should religious adhere to a morning-and-evening routine. But without a routine checkup from a professional dentist, you may miss the warning signs of a potentially damaging situation.
Dental cleanings are about more than just getting your teeth clean. During your cleanings, your dentist or hygienist is checking for trouble spots — sensitivity, bleeding gums, discoloration, and the early stages of decay. Any one of these, if left unchecked, can go on to become a much larger problem down the line. But a trained eye can catch them before they become full-blown issues.
But if the prospect of staving off health problems for the sake of health doesn’t appeal to you, how about for the sake of your wallet? Compare the cost of regular dental cleanings (between $50 and $150 every six months) to cosmetic dentistry, specifically the cost of a full-mouth cosmetic replacement (easily six figures) due to years of neglect. You don’t need a calculator for math that easy. Especially when you realize that most health insurance policies contain a dental insurance provision that covers routine exams and dental cleanings.
No question: your teeth are too important to not take care of, but no one can do it alone. Schedule your cleanings and keep your appointments, and you’ll be happy and healthy for years to come. Get more on this here: www.kirklanddentistry.net
