How a Dental Check-Up Can Help Your Overall Health

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for a dental check-up at least once or twice per year. The visit may be more regular if you have dental concerns. The dental check-up is not beneficial for the oral cavity alone – it also helps your overall health.

Dental check-ups and overall health

A routine dental visit involves two processes – dental cleaning and examination for oral issues. By going regularly, the visits serve preventive purposes, keeping the teeth and other oral structures in top condition. In case of an issue, the visit allows the dentist to provide prompt treatment before the condition worsens. The longer patients delay the appointment, the higher the risk of requiring invasive procedures.

Prompt treatment for cavities and gum disease

During an appointment, the dentist will clean plaque and tartar off the teeth, which are the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Even with proper oral care, cavities may develop on the teeth. The dentist can spot those cavities early through physical exams and X-rays. This will help prevent the pain that usually accompanies cavities. Smaller cavities are also easier and cheaper to fix.

Apart from cavities, gum disease is another common oral issue. The condition can affect the gum and bones and can lead to inflammation and infection. Researchers have linked gum disease to health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The dentist can detect early signs of gum disease during a dental check-up. The longer the condition goes without treatment, the more havoc it wreaks on the gums and bones.

Detect oral cancer

Thousands of people get an oral cancer diagnosis per year. Cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the tongue, cheeks, and lips. During the check-up, the dentist will screen the mouth for oral cancer. The signs are often subtle, and it is better to catch them early before the condition progresses. Early cancer detection increases the chances of successful treatment. If the dentist suspects anything, they may request additional examination and recommend the patient for proper care.

Discover potential health issues

Dentists do not check the mouth alone – they also examine the head, face, and neck for abnormalities. They may also check the lymph nodes. These additional checks can reveal other possible health issues. The dental professional will share their discovery and advise the patient to visit their primary healthcare providers for follow-up. Like oral cancer screening, detecting signs of other health concerns early helps ensure easy treatment for the condition.

For example, certain signs like dry mouth, dry gums, receding or bleeding gums may indicate diabetes. However, sometimes, poor hygiene can also cause these symptoms, so the dentist will not assume it is diabetes unless these symptoms occur despite good oral care.

Keep track of your dental health and overall wellbeing

Booking a regular dental check-up and consultation with the dentist is important for your oral health. It allows the dentist to monitor your oral cavity and catch any changes that might signify a problem with your oral cavity and overall wellbeing.

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