Dental Visits Aren’t For Cosmetic Purposes Alone. Here’s How They Can Be Good For Your General Health Too.
Is it okay to skip professional oral hygiene cleanings if you brush and floss daily? The short answer is no.
No matter how well you clean your teeth, food deposits and plaque may still linger. As a result, leaving them to accumulate in your mouth can cause dental problems down the road.
Here are reasons why maintaining routine dental visits is essential for your mouth and body.
Treating Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, often starts in the mouth. Food, smoking cigarettes, and medications are all potential causes.
Occasional bad breath is normal. However, be sure to see the dentist to determine the root cause if this persists even after cleaning your mouth.
Persistent, foul smelling breath can be due to an underlying medical condition, such as respiratory infection. If this is the case, brushing, flossing and rinsing won’t be enough to address it.
You may feel embarrassed or anxious to speak up, but the dental office is the safest place to discuss this personal concern.
Your dental team consists of oral health professionals. They don’t judge, and they understand. Their focus is on your health and helping you gain back your confidence.
Monitoring Dental Work
Routine dental visits are non-negotiable if you’re wearing dentures or any oral appliance. Your dentist needs to check the condition of your mouth.
Crowns and veneers can chip, and dentures can become loose. Left unfixed, poor-fitting or damaged oral appliances can be harmful. They can cause cuts or injuries to your mouth and make eating uncomfortable.
Missing scheduled appointments can also prolong your treatment process. On the other hand, staying on top of dental visits allows your dentist to promptly resolve any concerns you may have regarding your dental work.
Improving Dental Care Habits
A visit to your dentist can help if you feel you’re doing dental care wrong, or perhaps you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile despite trying numerous products.
Your dental hygienist can assess your mouth and provide recommendations to help you improve your oral hygiene routine.
A dental visit is also the ideal starting point if you want to enhance your smile. You’ll know which treatment methods will give you the results you want. Not to mention, you’ll avoid spending time and money on questionable solutions.
Oral Health as a Key Indicator of Wellness and Quality of Life
Oral health refers to the mouth, the parts related to it, and the conditions that affect them.
According to a 2019 study, almost 3.5 billion people worldwide experience oral diseases. These diseases share modifiable risk factors with non-transmissible diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Your general health will always involve your oral health. Seeing your dental team not only makes your smile better, but it also improves your well-being.
Poor dental hygiene and untreated mouth diseases can interfere with your daily activities. Set aside time for routine dental visits, no matter how hectic life gets.
Sources
1. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
2. Oral Health
https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#
3. The Link Between Oral and General Health