The top reasons for routine dental check-ups
Oral health is one of the most important aspects to overall health. Perhaps the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums is by visiting a dentist regularly and keeping proper oral hygiene habits at home. Dr. Kevin Huff, president of the Tuscarawas County Dental Society, and Dr. Caleb Robinson, one of the newest dentists to the area, both offered tips and advice on why routine oral check-ups are necessary and beneficial.Ÿ Early detection of dental issues - Individuals are often prompted to see a dentist only when they are experiencing pain or sensitivity. Unfortunately, "by the time a tooth hurts, the decay is typically into the pulp of the tooth, which may require extensive treatment," explained Huff. Being proactive about oral health will inform an individual whether there are fractures, infection, or gum disease, and will ultimately save time and money in the long run. Huff continued, "It is actually much less costly to have routine maintenance than it is to wait until there is a problem."
Ÿ Oral cancer screening - Checking the mouth and tongue for oral cancer is increasingly important, and according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, there are more than 34,000 individuals in the United States diagnosed with oral cancer annually. Regular screenings for oral cancer are very important and recommended for everybody. "Even people who have false teeth should still have an examination to make sure their tissues look right," said Robinson. Without routine check-ups, cancer may remain undetected until late stages of development.
Ÿ Overall health and prevention against greater health issues - Perhaps the most important and currently researched aspect associated with seeing a dentist is the link discovered between gum disease and health issues such as cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer, and low birth weights in newborns. Without proper oral hygiene, healthy gums become sore, and inflamed, creating pockets between the teeth and gums. This infection is known as periodontal disease and can often remain undetected if dental visits are not frequent enough. This can then lead to massive infection and the loss of natural teeth. Furthermore, according to the first National Health and Nutrition survey, people with periodontal disease are 25 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease.
Ÿ Keeping natural teeth - Sometimes, extractions are unavoidable. False teeth, such as dentures and partials, may be beneficial in more serious cases, but are not always the answer, especially if teeth are salvageable to begin with. "People think it's easier, but dentures aren't a substitute for teeth. They are a substitute for no teeth," explained Robinson. "With dentures you only have 10-20 percent of the biting power you have with natural teeth." He went on to explain that chewing is increasingly difficult with false teeth, especially with fresh foods. Staying up-to-date on dental visits will help avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth.
Ÿ Nice smile and fresh breath - "To have a nice, white smile is attractive. Your smile is what a lot of people notice first," Robinson said. And this holds true for anyone. Simply put, higher self-esteem and confidence levels come from having healthy teeth and gums.
In the end, "routine dental maintenance is more important for the quality of life," Huff said. "And people need to take responsibility to make sure they get proper dental care. Dentistry is reaching out, and people need to reach back."