The Importance of Keeping Regular Dental Checkup Appointments

Dental Appointment

Having a beautiful smile means more than just improving the way you look. A healthy mouth is a contributing factor to maintaining overall body systems. The mouth is the path of least resistance for viruses and bacteria to invade the body. Should particular conditions exist that make it more inviting for these invaders to take up residence in the mouth, your overall health could decline.

Even if you don’t feel like there is any reason to go to the dentist, it is imperative that you do. There are tricky conditions that lurk beneath the surface or are not visible to the naked eye that brushing alone cannot fix. Check out some of the reasons why keeping a regular annual dental checkup can keep both your smile and your body healthy for years to come.

Bacteria Sitting on Teeth

Bacteria enter the mouth and if they find a welcoming environment, they tend to stick around. Brushing and flossing alone are not always sufficient for cleaning the surface of the teeth and the spaces in between. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar can cause a sticky film to develop on the teeth. This film is the perfect spot for bacteria to thrive. If it is not removed quickly, it will progress to plaque, a hard shell that is not easily removed and requires professional cleaning.

Gum Disease 

Gum disease is one of the most common side effects of too much bacteria in the mouth. The invaders make their way to the bottom of the teeth and eventually to the gum line. Gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be painful and unsightly. A sign of the development includes reddening of the gums right around teeth. If the condition progresses, the gums will pull away from the teeth. This makes it easier for bacteria to matriculate underneath the gums and grants them direct access to the bloodstream. Teeth may start to loosen as a result of the gums receding.

Root Damage

If you’ve had a painful toothache, you know that there is little that can be done to dull the pain. A trip to the dentist may reveal you have an infection that is affecting the root of the tooth, causing the nerves in the mouth to transmit pain signals to the brain. Bacteria below the gum line may spell trouble for the roots of your teeth, and thereby cause pain. This type of irreversible damage may lead to surgery, or even tooth extraction,  to repair the problem. 

Going to the dentist, like a family dentist in Cary, NC, at regular intervals can help rid the mouth of harmful bacteria. A professional cleaning and inspection of the mouth can also work wonders for your body health as a whole.

Thanks to Alliance Dentistry for their insight into the importance of keeping regular dental checkups.