Electronic Health Reporter

The start of a New Year is a great time to reassess your wellness. It’s also an opportune time for you to make changes to tasks that you may have placed on the back burner. Losing weight and adopting healthier eating habits typically top the list. But if you’ve been putting off a trip to the dentist, you may want to make this a priority. The following are four ways a trip to the dentist can have a great impact on your health.

Prevent Serious Health Problems

Poor oral health won’t only cause you to lose your teeth. Failing to keep your mouth and gums in prime condition can also lead to serious health complications. Based on several recent studies, the inflammation of gums has been found to boost your risk of stroke and heart disease. The Canadian Academy of Periodontology found that individuals with periodontal disease had a greater chance of having a fatal heart attack and heart disease than those without the issue. Other studies show that gum disease and diabetes have a strong correlation. Whether it’s because of the control of blood glucose or the bacterial infection within the gums, this could be your wake-up call to better oral health. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you may also want to schedule your dental work well in advance. Women with gum disease are more likely to deliver a baby with a lower birth weight or pre-term over those with good oral health. Gum disease may also put you at risk for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. While today’s technology offers advancements in dentistry, the best way to promote a healthy mouth is through regular checkups.

Keep a Healthy Digestive System

One of the primary reasons people skip going to the dentist is because they are afraid. But according to Dr. Lane of Wasilla, AK, you can ease your dental anxieties by finding a dedicated and friendly team of professionals. Here they can help you keep your mouth healthy, and your smile beautiful. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to the dentist, you want to schedule an appointment soon. Unfortunately, issues with your teeth can hinder the way they function, especially in ways that you chew and digest your food. If you experience overcrowded teeth, significant gaps and sensitivity, the problems may affect your ability to eat properly. An initial exam can determine the best treatment needed for you.

If your teeth are crooked or overcrowded in areas, braces or other teeth straightening devices may improve the aesthetics and functioning of your teeth. If you experience sensitivity, you may have cavities that need to be filled. Dental implants can also fill the gaps where you’re missing teeth. VIPcare Ocala FL dentists highly recommend dental implants especially if you lack two or more teeth.

When your teeth are returned to normal functioning, you’ll appreciate the ability to taste and chew your favorite foods again. Proper chewing can also eliminate digestive issues you may have suffered from such as gas, bloating and indigestion.

Eliminate Infections

Regular brushing, flossing and dental visits can help combat bad breath and gum disease. But if you skip going to the dentist for an extended period-of-time, you could be at risk for inflammation and disease. Without regular cleanings from the professionals, you could put your mouth at risk for bacteria. If left for long periods of time, the infection will then enter the body’s bloodstream, heart and other organs. Although brushing can eliminate tartar, you still need the skill of a professional cleaning to remove extensive build-up.

Improved Self-Confidence

If you have cavities, missing teeth, bad breath or stained and yellowing teeth, your poor oral health can cause you to become self-conscious of your smile. Catching decay at its early stages allows the dentist to save your teeth. Regular checkups can also prevent gum disease and other oral health issues you may experience. Once your dentist has fixed the problematic areas in your mouth such as through crowns and fillings, you can also focus on other areas of dental restoration such as teeth whitening, crowns and implants. With an improved appearance, you’ll no longer be afraid to smile. The boost in confidence may improve your mental outlook by helping you try for a high-ranking position within your company at work.

The road to healthy teeth and gums is more than just regular brushing. To prevent health issues, serious diseases, bacteria, poor digestion and infection, it’s critical that you contact your local orthodontist today and get the best oral care possible with regular dental visits.