There is strong evidence to suggest that your dental health has a significant impact on your overall, general health. This is why it's important to have regular checkups and to ensure that you look after your teeth at home and regulate your diet. However, if you've been putting off a visit to the dentist for a long time and know that all "is not well" with your oral health, it is more important than ever for you to make the time to schedule a visit to your local dentist now to stay healthy.
The Silent Diseases
As you may know, a lot of the foods that people eat on a general basis have the capability to "attack" the enamel on the surface of the teeth. It's unfortunate, but there is a high level of refined sugar in many everyday foods, and these produce acid in your mouth that will contribute to the erosion of your teeth. This process can often go by unnoticed, especially if you don't schedule regular trips to the dentist. As this happens, plaque can build up and affect the gum tissues and over time can lead to dental disease.
In the initial phase this is known as gingivitis and may begin to manifest itself through some bleeding, but if left to extend, it can develop into something more serious, called periodontitis.
The Bigger Risk
Doctors believe that periodontal disease can lead to significant inflammation elsewhere in the body and in those people who are susceptible, can even lead to the development of diabetes. This is because the bacteria created through that disease can affect blood glucose levels and can certainly make the management of diabetes a lot more difficult.
Control
The good news is that dentists can generally significantly affect the progression of periodontal illness and improve the prognosis for those affected. They will do this by scaling and root planing or deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, and may also recommend antibiotic treatment. They will also help the patient to improve their oral hygiene by bringing plaque under control and by modifying daily diet as needed.
It's important not to put off a visit to the dentist any longer than you have to, especially if you are worried that you may have stages of periodontal disease. Once you make your first appointment, you may be well on your way to containing other general risks to your health.
