When it comes to your teeth and gums, a dental checkup with your dentist is imperative, especially if you haven’t had a thorough examination in a while. You may not have any symptoms, but unless you have been seeing your dentist at least twice a year, even more so if you are prone to tooth decay or gum disease, you could be harboring dental caries and periodontal disease. Both are serious and could lead to other complications including tooth loss.
You may not bleed or have swollen gums, but unless you practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice and flossing once each day, your mouth could be hiding something. A dental checkup really can make a difference.
Your dentist explains that gum disease may not show any symptoms until it has progressed to the more serious periodontal disease, but if left on its own, periodontal disease could cause tooth loss. If you have gum disease and do not have it treated by your dentist, you may end up with something much more serious such as heart disease or even Alzheimer’s disease. A dental checkup could really make a difference.
Although the jury is still out when it comes to a correlation between Alzheimer’s and gum disease, the Mayo Clinic explains that several studies have shown a link between poor oral hygiene and other diseases. Some scientists even believe that gum disease is linked to brain damage.
Regular checkups with your dentist will give you the all clear for tooth decay and gum disease but can also help diagnose early cancer symptoms.
During your regular checkup with your dentist, make sure that you ask for an oral cancer screening. Your dentist will check out your mouth, your lymph nodes, tongue, throat, and other areas of your mouth looking for anything suspicious. Your dentist may also use special tools for early cancer diagnoses.
Regular trips to the dentist really are important for your entire body and if you cannot remember the last time, you had a dental checkup, call, or click and schedule an appointment today. Taking care of your teeth really can keep the rest of your body healthy. Call or click now.