Regular dental exams, which include expert tooth cleaning by a dentist near you, are the foundation of preventive dentistry, which focuses on minimizing or avoiding oral health problems. Routine checkups and cleanings are critical to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. A healthy tongue can also assist in keeping the rest of your body safe from significant medical problems that take a toll on your body’s functions.
Oral infections can spread to multiple crucial organs. Furthermore, monitoring your tooth health can reveal indicators of underlying health conditions that would otherwise go unreported. The beyond-financial benefits of dental checkups and cleanings emphasize the importance of these treatments. Maintaining good oral health can save your bank from breaking due to major dental operations later on.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Not one, but all of the following conclude a clear connection between oral and overall health:
Diabetic patients are more likely to have gum disease, making blood sugar regulation more difficult. The two conditions frequently have a bidirectional relationship, with one worsening the other. Oral infections and dangerous germs in the mouth can cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia.
Premature birth and low weight in newly born babies correlate to poor oral health. Pregnancy hormone changes can also make the gums more susceptible to inflammation and infection. Poor oral health, namely gum disease, has been linked to increased stroke risk and heart failure.
Painful dental diseases can make eating a balanced diet difficult, leading to malnutrition and other health issues. A few studies have revealed a correlation between gum disease and cognitive impairment, but further study is needed to confirm this.
Gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis may be linked, with inflammation in the mouth potentially contributing to joint discomfort and inflammation. While the data is mixed, several studies suggest a link between gum disease and cancer, consisting of oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
Preventive Measures for Maintaining Oral Health
- Consume a well-balanced diet blended with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Also, control your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
- Sugary snacks and drinks should be avoided because they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Visit a dentist in SE Calgary every six months for standard check-ups and cleanings.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and fluoride treatments as directed by your dentist.
- Tobacco and excessive alcohol use can harm oral health and raise the risk of oral cancer.
- If you are a sportsperson or grind your teeth at night, use a mouthguard for safety.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your saliva production up, which protects your teeth and gums.
- Acidic foods and beverages can damage dental enamel, so consume them sparingly.
- Teach children proper dental hygiene from an early age to instill lasting habits.
Understanding the Significance of Oral Exams
A. They Discover Decay and Cavities
When bacteria and other microbes ingest sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth, they break them down and produce acid. This acid reacts with the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Many variables can contribute to deterioration. Bad dental hygiene habits, like skipping brushing or flossing, can lead to decay.
Because of the high sugar content in these items, eating sugary foods or drinks often can also lead to cavities. Unfortunately, degradation does not show noticeable symptoms until it is advanced. The easiest strategy to identify deterioration early is to schedule an appointment with a dentist to get oral exams near you.
B. They Stop Disease in Gums
Gum disease affects the tissues that cover the teeth by causing inflammation. Bacteria present in plaque, a sticky film composed of food particles and saliva that continually builds on the teeth, can cause it.
Tartar forms when plaque is not cleared through daily brushing and flossing. Tartar allows bacteria to develop and create toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which leads to tooth loss.
C. Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious disorder that can manifest itself in various ways. And if you miss reading the early warning signals, it can progress quickly and become fatal. However, an oral cancer diagnosis in its early stages is always treatable.
VELscope: The cancer screening is non-invasive, painless, and sometimes covered by MSP. The examination looks for untraceable evidence of dead tissue caused by cancers that grow through the mouth.
D. They Put a Stop to Other Medical Conditions
A dental x-ray assists dentists in diagnosing issues with the teeth, mouth, or jaw that are not visible with standard dental tools. An X-ray can reveal impacted teeth, jaw problems, and other abnormal cells before they cause problems.
Components of Comprehensive Oral Exam
- Medical history examination
- Visual examination
- Periodontal and gum disease evaluation
- X-rays of the teeth for examination
- Evaluation of the bite and jaw
- Screening for oral cancer
- Dental documentation
- Discussion and suggestions with the dentist
Oral Exams for Different Age Groups
0 to 12 Years:
- Monitoring tooth development
- Examining oral hygiene practices
- Detecting early symptoms of decay
- Addressing preventive options such as fluoride treatments and sealants are all priorities
13 to 19 Years:
- Monitoring ongoing tooth development
- Determining orthodontic needs.
- Managing wisdom tooth concerns
- Enforcing oral hygiene behaviors is all part of the process
20 to 64 Years:
- Evaluating dental health
- Looking for cavities
- Gum disease and mouth cancer
- Treating restorative and cosmetic needs
- Reviewing routine maintenance
Above 65 Years:
- Concentrating on dental health preservation
- Addressing age-related concerns such as mouth dryness, receding gums, and missing teeth
- Monitoring for aging-related oral health issues
Overcoming Dental Anxiety for Oral Exams
With the following six ways, you can overcome dental anxiety for oral exams in SE Calgary:
- Consult with your dentist.
- Consider relaxation methods.
- Use distraction techniques.
- Investigate sedation options.
- Bring someone to help you.
- Maintain routine check-ups.
Schedule Your Appointment
Dentists are involved in more than merely tooth treatment. Dental professionals, among other things, check that the bones are sound and guide you in rectifying behaviors that may sabotage your oral health. And our experts here at Heritage Smiles Dental know exactly how to treat you when you visit for the first time!
Missing dentist appointments may not appear to be a severe issue, but dental problems can arise and spread quickly, even if you aren’t aware of them. If you keep up with regular oral cleanings and check-ups, you’ll be doing yourself a great service in the long term.
