Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

Do You Really Need That Dental Check Up?

9 August 2018 by Lonnie Bryant

Sometimes life feels like a whirlwind of rushing between commitments, and maintaining regular trips to the dentist can seem like a low priority. But regular dental check ups not only keep your pearly whites looking great and tasting fresh, but they are also a vital part of maintaining the health of your whole body. If your next check up just keeps slipping down the old to-do list, take a moment to find out why regular trips to the dentist are so important.

Your teeth don't work alone

Most people don't think much about their teeth unless they're causing problems, and when they do it's easy to see them as isolated body parts. But your teeth are connected to your entire body via the nerves and veins that support them, and gum disease or tooth decay that is left to linger can lead to significant problems with your health.

How your teeth affect your bodily health

Normally, daily brushing and flossing keep the bacteria in your mouth at healthy levels. When dental problems emerge, the healthy bacteria in your mouth multiply and can travel from your mouth to far-reaching areas of your body, causing significant problems. Some of the most serious effects of poor oral hygiene include:

• Heart disease

• Clogged arteries

• Stroke

• Impotence

In pregnant women, untended problems with your teeth and gums can even lead to low-birthweight babies and premature births.

How your body affects your oral health

The health of your body can also have a significant impact on the health of your gums and teeth. If you regularly take medication or are suffering from a chronic disease or any health condition that affects your immune system, making regular appointments for check ups at your dental clinic is even more important.

What your dentist can do

When you visit your dentist for a check up, it may not seem as if much is going on. But, beside the deep cleaning you're likely to enjoy, your dentist is also playing a vital role in preserving your health. Some of the important things your dentist does during your check up include:

• Grinding away plaque and tartar before they affect the health of your teeth

• Finding cavities and filling them if necessary

• Assessing your gums for signs of disease

• Looking over your whole face, neck and head to detect signs of bodily disease.

So call your dental clinic to arrange a check up today. Your whole body will thank you for it.

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