Most people go to the doctor every year for their annual checkup. This is because one’s physical health is very important. An annual checkup includes diagnoses such as blood work, blood pressure checks, heartbeat checks, eye exams, ear exams, and more. These annual exams are done for a person’s physical well being. Staying physically healthy is important for many reasons. If a person is physically healthy, it allows them to live an enjoyable and long life.
Did you know that your dental health is equally as important? Many people don’t acknowledge how important dental health is. If it’s not taken seriously, it can cause major problems.
Think about it this way: teeth are inside our mouths for a purpose and we need them to be healthy and strong. Teeth allow us to smile, talk, and chew our food. Since teeth have these primary jobs, it is important they get proper care because they play an important role. If dental health isn’t taken care of properly, serious problems can happen. Common problems include:
- toothache
- root canal
- stained teeth
- cavities
- chipped tooth
- cracked tooth
- teeth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Gum problems
Having these problems long term can lead to serious infections in the mouth. When you go to the dentist, always make sure your dentist’s office is clean because a non-hygienic environment can cause people to catch infections easily. Make sure your dentist is using proper dental products from a reputable dental supplier. A good dental office should have everything a patient needs to have a safe and healthy appointment. A patient wants to know that their dentist is well prepared.
Individuals should see their dentist every six months for annual oral checkups. Individuals with dental issues should go every three to four months, depending on their dentist’s instructions. Having annual exams are crucial to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and identify problems that one may have been unaware of.
Having appropriate dental cleanings reduces stains, gives you a brighter smile, removes plaque (which is a clear layer of bacteria that can build up and lead to tooth decay or gum disease). Aside from going to the dentist, daily proper dental care at home includes brushing your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget to floss. Use mouthwash, if necessary.
No matter how much proper dental care you perform daily, going to the dentist every six months, and getting an annual checkup, is necessary for everyone. If you face any unexpected oral or gum pain, contact your dentist immediately. The same goes for tooth sensitivity. It is definitely better to be safe than sorry!
According to Millennial Magazine, one’s dental health can define one’s body. This is true in many ways. Our mouths are one of the parts in our bodies where we can easily have contact. Children often put their fingers in their mouths and adults can do it too. Germs from our hands to our mouths are one of the easiest ways of infection transmission and, therefore, proper oral hygiene and care reduce the risks of transmission.
Statistics show that there are more proven connections between various oral illnesses and the ones that affect a person’s entire body. What this means is, for instance, individuals with gum disease have a 40% chance of developing a chronic condition. This is the reason why oral health should be taken care of. One should always look back at their family history to see if any members of their family are known to dental health problems. Individuals with a family history of dental health issues are recommended to visit their dentist regularly rather than every six months.
If bacteria builds up on your teeth and gums, your gums are likely to become infected and inflamed which can jeopardize health for the rest of your body. Therefore, proper dental care is very significant.
A sad reality in the United States, according to the New York Times, is that there can be dental care inequality through Medicaid. Medicaid is a state and federal program in the United States that helps people of lower-income with their medical costs.
It is hoped that more individuals will start taking their dental health seriously. Start your routine by following the simplest steps: brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist every six months.
