It goes without saying that dental hygiene is an important part of caring for your oral health. Regular cleanings and checkups are a critical feature of caring for your entire wellbeing.
Many of us know that poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, halitosis, and bad breath, but not brushing your teeth can actually lead to even dangerous health problems. Recent studies indicate and point to a strong correlation between the oral health and overall health of a patient. Typically, when a patient’s oral health is in disarray it is an indicator of body-wide health issues.
While it may be something no one likes to hear, we suggest that you see your dental hygienist a minimum of two times a year. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums (for which we sincerely applaud you), and you feel that cleanings are waste of your time or our resources- meeting with a dental hygiene specialist can be critical in the diagnosis of diseases. With many diseases, the early indicators are symptoms in the mouth, and many dental hygienists are trained to identify these symptoms. Your dental hygienist will also check for signs different kinds of oral cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas. At the root naturally is always the prevention of management of periodontal diseases. Nearly 1 in 2 (47%!) of Americans are affected by some degree of periodontal disease- which can be a precursor to tooth decay and loss, as well as larger systemic issues like heart disease.
While this figure can change with the severity of of a dental health issue, the six month rule is generally a good rule of thumb in scheduling appointments for a cleaning or checkup. Your treatment coordinator or dental hygienist may suggest differently, and you should always follow through with the suggestion- their experience and expertise can save you immense costs or worse, pain, in the future.
The most obvious effect of poor dental hygiene practices is periodontal (gum) disease. As gum disease affects nearly 50% of Americans over the age of 30, and 64% in those over 65, it is important to seek treatment for this omnipresent disease. The reality is the gum disease is a fairly preventable disease- and yet it is so widespread and common that it is often regarded as nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, the truth is that gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and be a precursor to heart disease. Meeting with your dental hygienist can help prevent the spread or worsening of this common disease.
Overall, dental hygiene is an important part of taking care of more than your mouth, but your entire body as well.
