Did you know that there is a wealth of research that points to a link between a person’s oral health and overall health? A number of dental health conditions can have an effect on a person’s general wellbeing and vice versa. For instance, untreated periodontal disease might contribute to negative health problems associated with the cardiovascular system. Another common oral condition that can affect your entire wellbeing is oral cancer. This is why a dentist will perform annual oral cancer screenings to help our patients benefit from early detection. Following is some helpful information on ways to improve your dental and general health.
Schedule Regular Appointments
Do you skip routine dental appointments? If so, you could be putting your health and life in danger. Oral examinations are incredibly thorough and beneficial to people. Beyond looking for signs of tooth decay, bone loss, and gum disease, a dentist will perform an oral cancer screening, which involves closely looking at the texture, feel, and color of oral tissue along with reviewing diagnostic data. Like other types of cancer, detecting oral cancer as early as possible can help people secure a good prognosis.
Receive Professional Cleanings
Some people mistakenly believe that if they brush and floss regularly, they don’t need a professional dental cleaning. While brushing and flossing is very important, it isn’t enough. Professional cleanings remove substances we can’t. Hygienists use small dental instruments to gently scrape away plaque and tartar along the gums and deep between teeth. Having regular professional cleanings helps control tartar accumulation and stimulate the gums, both of which help prevent periodontal disease.
Practice Thorough Oral Hygiene
Your daily oral hygiene routine is your first line of defense against a host of oral health conditions. We strongly encourage patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing help keep teeth, gums, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth clean of plaque, tartar, and debris.
Call us today at Fresh Dental for questions or to schedule a checkup.
