Although dentistry may seem like a fairly modern practice, it’s actually been practiced since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, for example, practiced dentistry for both practical and cosmetic reasons. Fast forward to today, and maintaining a healthy smile is just as, if not more, important.
Did you know that your oral health is intricately tied to your overall health and wellness? In many cases, signs and symptoms of chronic disease often manifest in the mouth. In addition to cosmetic procedures such as professional teeth whitening, a dentist can help you take charge or your health and be proactive in maintaining it.
In addition to regular visits to your primary care provider, regular dental appointments are a must for staying healthy. In fact, going to your dentist is probably more important than you realize! Here’s why:
Oral cancer screening
Like many other forms of cancer, oral cancer is an extremely serious condition that often manifests in a variety of ways, many of which are difficult to detect to the untrained eye. Fortunately however, early detection can help patients take action as soon as possible to remove the cancer and in many cases, cure it. Regular dental check ups can identify the early stages of oral cancer while it’s still easily treated and before it progresses to a life threatening stage. Dentist screen for oral cancer and have the experience and knowledge necessary to recognize it while it’s earliest stages.
Gum disease
When left undiagnosed and therefore untreated, gum disease is a serious condition that can have a devastating impact on your overall health. Caused by a toxic build up of plaque and tartar, gum disease can lead to bleeding and infected gums, in addition to tissue and even tooth loss. In its most advanced stages, gum disease must be treated by a dental specialist with experience in this area. Advanced gum disease can support a variety of other health concerns such high blood pressure, inflammation, and even heart problems.
Jaw bone x rays
What lies beneath the surface of your gums is just as important as what’s going on above them. Regular dental checkups involve a lot more than just removing plaque and polishing teeth, and often involve a series of diagnostic measures to identify the early stages of any potential disease. Jaw bone x rays are one reason why maintaining regular dental visits is so important. A jaw bone x ray can help your dentist identify any problems such as cysts, tumors, bone decay, inflammation, and other below surface issues that can affect both your oral and overall health.
Having good oral care habits at home is important, but it’s only half the battle. Regular check ups with your dentist, including scheduling cleanings every 6 months, is just as important. For more information about the importance of routine dental screenings, contact your local family dentist to learn more about oral health.