Good oral health is essential for overall wellbeing, and regular dentistry is the key to maintaining it. From preventing tooth decay and gum disease to detecting other health problems, dentists play an important role in keeping your smile healthy and your body safe. From reducing cancer risk to preventing dementia, the benefits of regular dentistry are numerous. Not only can it help keep your teeth looking great, but it can also help you stay healthy and confident.
Here's why dentistry is so important.
Detecting Problems Early
With just a mirror, you can see what your teeth look like, but there's a lot going on under the surface that you may not be aware of. Dentists are trained to detect problems early on, such as gum disease and tooth decay, before they become a problem. This can help prevent more serious issues down the line.Reducing Cancer Risk
Research has found that having a gum disease called periodontitis can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, adults with poor oral health are more likely to get an oral virus that can cause HPV, which can also lead to cancer.Regular dental checkups can help reduce the risk of these diseases.
Preventing Dementia
A species of bacteria that forms in the mouth can travel to the brain and destroy nerve cells, leading to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining good oral health is essential for preventing this from happening.Maintaining Facial Structure
Your teeth affect your smile, and a radiant smile increases self-confidence. Family dentists provide dental services designed to help keep your teeth healthy and maintain facial structure so you can chew food properly.Detecting Other Health Problems
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to recognize and identify a wide variety of diseases, ranging from hypertension to oral cancer. They diagnose and treat problems affecting the teeth, gum tissue, tongue, lips, and jaws. These oral diseases often reveal other health problems that may require follow-up with the patient's primary care physician.Fixing Chips and Cracks
Preventive dentistry strengthens teeth; however, it can sometimes have chips and cracks.With routine dental checkups, the dentist can detect small cracks and fix a dental filling, thus maintaining your dental appearance.
