Oral health has consistently been linked to overall health. Periodontal disease has been shown to cause heart and stomach problems and has also been linked to diabetes. Practicing good oral hygiene such as proper brushing technique, regular flossing, and keeping up with dental cleanings and check ups can keep you healthy and even help you live a longer and fuller life. Here are some of the reasons that preventative dental care is so important.
Preventative dental care will save you money in the long run. Many people put off going to the Dentist because they see it as being too big of an expense, especially if they do not have insurance. While professional dental care can indeed be costly, ignoring your dental health can end up costing you thousands of dollars later. By neglecting to get your teeth cleaned every six months as recommended, you are putting yourself at risk of needing high cost treatments for periodontal disease, root canals, gingivitis, extractions, fillings, and more. Many dental offices now offer payment plans and financing to help more people than ever afford proper care and avoid these painful and costly procedures later.
A healthy mouth will keep the rest of your body healthy as well. Cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease have several common risk factors, and many dentists and doctors agree that oral infection can cause heart problems. Periodontal disease is a condition that causes a bacterial infection of the gums. It is caused by poor oral hygiene and can be avoided with proper preventative dental care. If left untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause major problems, even sepsis and acute cardiac syndrome. Regular cleanings by your Dentist can remove the plaque from your teeth that can cause these issues and help keep you healthy and free from disease.
Preventative dental care has the added benefit of keeping your smile looking great. Brushing and flossing after meals along with regular professional cleanings will keep your teeth looking whiter and cleaner. The cleaning and fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office will help remove stains from coffee, wine, and other foods and beverages that would be harder to remove by yourself at home. Connect Dr. Joseph A Schell DDS on Facebook for more information on preventative dental care.
