4 Great Reasons To Have Regular Dental Check-ups

While a lot of people may not love going to the dentist, regular dental check-ups are essential to good health.  Many people feel that a regular cleaning and exam appointment is "optional" compared to a trip to the general practitioner.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, only 69 percent of men and women over the age of 18 had their teeth cleaned in 2008.  That means about 30% of the population is skipping the dentist!

Here is a list of some non-tooth related health conditions that may be spotted or prevented by the dentist (or go undiagnosed if you skip an appointment).

• Heart Disease - A new study from researchers at Berkeley found that those who make regular visits to the dentist a priority may reduce their risk of heart disease by one-third.  People who have chronic infections in their oral cavity are at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease.  When you have an infection around your gums and teeth, it gets into your blood, thickens the vessels and narrows them.  If you have a family history of heart disease, it's very important to be vigilant about oral health.
• Oral Cancer - Every time you have your teeth cleaned, the dentist and hygienist are doing a visual and manual inspection looking for swollen or red areas, ulcerated areas and anything that looks out of the ordinary.  Often times these oral cancers are asymptomatic and the dentist can bring it to your attention.  People who are at especially high risk are smokers and anyone who consumes more than one alcoholic beverage on a daily basis.
• Diabetes - The condition of your teeth and gums may point to diabetes.  There is a definite cause and effect between diabetes and oral health.  Diabetes reduces your body's ability to fight infection-causing gum and teeth issues, and gum disease also makes it hard to control your diabetes.  If you have a family history of diabetes or are a diabetic I suggest talking to your dentist, who may recommend that you have cleanings three or four times a year.  The key thing to remember is that for most of the things that can go wrong with your mouth, it's much less expensive to get regular cleanings than it is to get major procedures such as crowns and root canals later.
• Nutritional Needs - By looking at your tongue and gums, the dentist may be able to tell if you are lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients.  One thing we look for is a pale tongue, which may indicate an iron deficiency.

Overall, seeing your dentist can save you money over time by catching things early as well as helping you stay healthier.  Your dentist is not only concerned about healthy teeth and gums but your overall health.  See your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and exams.