Top Reasons to See a Dentist, Regularly!
By Dr. Carol Lybrook
Editor’s Note: This article is the final in a 2-part series on dental health in recognition of the American Dental Association’s National Oral Health Month. The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook, along with husband Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in Fruita.
You have heard it many times: see your dentist every six months to get your teethed cleaned and overall oral health screened. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.
1) To Prevent Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.
2) To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.
3) To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
4) To Keep Your Teeth
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.
5) To Detect Dental Problems Early
Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.
6) To Maintain Good Oral Health and Bright Smile
Your dental hygienist will help ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health through visual examination and comparing your previous dental check-ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path.