Why it is Important to Maintain Good Dental Health
Many people wonder why visit the dentist? The truth is that without regular dental exams and dental cleanings, your oral health and your overall health can be affected. Scientific facts show that untreated dental disease leaves you at a higher risk for other diseases, including COVID.
Like other areas of the body, your mouth teams with bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.
While skipping a dental appointment may not seem important, oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, can develop and progress quickly. At Jay Gronemyer, we encourage our patients in Redmond, OR to schedule regular dental exams every six months.
What conditions can be linked to oral health?
We already know that when it comes to dental concerns and oral health in general, routine checkups and cleanings help to prevent major problems by preventing conditions from getting bad or catching problems in their early stages of disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions including:
Endocarditis – This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
Cardiovascular Disease – Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause
Pregnancy and Birth Complications – Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia – Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
How can I protect my oral health?
GO TO YOUR DENTIST. First and foremost you should be scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. This is the best way to ensure and maintain your teeth look the best and be healthy.
Dr. Gronemyer is always accepting new patients with any and all mouth conditions and requesting an appointment is easy!
Brush Your Teeth – You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
Floss Daily – Plaque acts quickly! Skipping a few days allows bacteria the perfect amount of time to solidify.
Use Mouthwash – Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
Replace Your Toothbrush – Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are splayed or worn.
Avoid Tobacco Use – Chemicals in tobacco products affect saliva flow in the mouth, making it easier for oral bacteria to stick to teeth and gums.
Is It Worth the Effort?
Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal, but oral issues can develop and progress extremely quickly whether or not you notice it. By keeping on top of your dental cleanings and checkups you’re doing yourself a big favor in the long run. Request your next appointment below with Dr. Jay Gronemyer today!
4 Reasons Why You Should go to the Dentist Regularly
1. Dental checkups prevent plaque, tartar, cavities, and tooth decay
2. Routine dental visits keep gum disease at bay
3. Dentists use routine checkups to check for oral cancer
4. Find problems under the surface with X-Rays before they start causing you pain
ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION…
Roughly 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity by the age of 17
80% of the U.S. population has some form of Periodontal Disease