Importance Of Dental Health Check-ups

Dental health is a state of being free from any illness in the mouth. However, the mouth being the window to the rest of the body, dental health is a link to the overall health of the body. In as much as most of these illnesses are treatable, prevention is more advisable. That is why it is recommended that everybody goes for regular dental checkups after every six months. However, there is a group of people who are advised to make more frequent visits because of special needs. These are pregnant women, smokers, diabetes, and people with weak immune system and people with cavities.

Why regular dental health check-ups are important

Maintain a whiter smile

Teeth discoloration occurs due to certain foods, medication or occasional cleaning. A dental visit involves cleaning and removal of stains hence maintains a whiter and brighter smile. This is only effective when done on a regular basis.

Maintain good health

Research indicates that gum disease can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Regular checks will ensure prevention of gum disease. It will also ensure that the disease is treated before it becomes more complicated. A dentist will examine not only the teeth but also the tongue, face, head and neck. This examination will look out for swelling which might not be painful but could be early signs of other ailments such as cancer.

Prevention of gum disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is tartar that has not been cleaned over a long period. Plaque contains bacteria which causes irritation and inflammation of the gums. Examples of gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Maintain fresh breath

Bad breath can be a result of gum disease, lodged food in the mouth or general poor oral hygiene. It is only during the regular check up that the dentist will advise on ways to maintain good oral health.

Advice on nutrition

A regular dentist visit will give signs of food deficiency and important advice given. This could be insufficient vitamins or calcium in the diet.

Maintain strong and healthy teeth

Poor dental hygiene over an extended period will result in complex gum diseases that will eventually affect the roots of the teeth by weakening the supporting bones. This could result in losing the teeth. Similarly, the dentist will check out for cavities that will address the decaying of the teeth.

Regular dentist visits will examine the state of the teeth and the mouth in general.…