A Healthy Smile Leads to Better Health and Wellness
July 22nd, 2015
Guest Author: Keith Bracy, DDS
Dr. Bracy practices the full scope of general, cosmetic and implant dentistry in Manhattan. He focuses on minimally invasive techniques and patient education. Dr. Bracy has extensive experience treating those fearful of dentistry, and believes excellent care begins with careful co-diagnosis and communication.
More information is available at his website drbracy.com
If you are like many patients, chances are you have been postponing a visit to the dentist. In fact, a recent article in the Journal of the American Dental Association, titled “Where have all the dental care visits gone?” by Dr. Marko Vujicic highlights a 7% decrease in dental care visits, with “no need” and “cost” being the top reasons given to skip out on routine dental visits. Everyday, patients describe to me how dental care terrifies them, their fear of judgment by a dentist, and a multitude of reasons why they have delayed dental care. Let’s explore when and why you should see your dentist.
So when should you see a dentist? For the vast majority of patients routine dental visits every six months is the answer. If you are having any symptoms such as pain, swelling, bleeding gums, or toothaches you should seek dental care immediately. You should discuss your risk factors for dental conditions with your dentist, and come up with care schedule to best suit your risks and needs.If you need some motivation to make that dreaded dental appointment, here are 5 reasons why you should not delay.
- Dental Care is Part of Overall Systematic Health Oftentimes, patients dissociate the connection between oral health and general health. Your mouth is indeed connected to the rest of your body and what happens there can affect your overall health. There is overwhelming evidence to show that inflammation from common gum disease is correlated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Although dental cavities are commonplace, left untreated can cause serious infections that travel to other parts of your body.
- Your Oral Cancer Risk Might Be Higher Than You Think Your general dentist is your first line of defense against oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers, through early detection and screening. Your routine dental examination should include an oral cancer screening during which your mouth, throat, neck and head are examined for signs of the disease. Tobacco and alcohol usage are major risk factors for oral cancers, but even if you do not smoke or drink, you can still be at high risk. According to the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures 2015, there has been a recent and rapid rise in oral cancers linked to infection with human papilloma virus in white men and women.2 Early detection and screening can save your life.
- Dental Disease is Often “Silent” Most people are unaware of common dental conditions such as cavities and gum disease as they may not show any symptoms or cause pain until it is too late. For example, the gum disease, periodontitis, is a condition in which the gums and bone that hold teeth in your mouth, gradually retreats and deteriorates. You might not be in any pain if you have this condition, and not aware of the problem until the teeth become loose from the retreating tissues. Routine, preventative visits help detect these common problems, and facilitate early treatment that betters the prognosis.
- Routine, Preventative Care Can Save Money The fear of the bill, following a dental visit might be scarier to some patients, than the visit itself! However, routine preventative visits can save you money and time. Many dental insurance plans provide for coverage of routine care like exams, x-rays and cleanings at very high rates, if not at 100% coverage. While the same plans often cover basic work like fillings at lesser rates like 80% and major work like crowns at 50% or not at all. If you do not have dental insurance, the fee for a routine exam, where conditions can be detected when small and easily treatable, will be much less than an emergency visit, when a major procedure is needed.
- Changing Your Smile Can Change Everything Like it or not, your teeth and smile are the first thing people may notice about you. Furthermore, the way your teeth look and function greatly affects the quality of your life. There have been many advances in dental technologies such as clear aligners to straighten misaligned teeth, dental implants to replace missing teeth, and lasers to change the appearance of your gums . These technologies and procedures can allow you to have the healthy, beautiful smile you always wanted. What your dentist told you was not possible 10 or 15 years ago, might be possible today due to these advances.
Prevention is the best medicine. Don’t delay, see your dentist today!
