Cincinnati area dentist explains the importance of good dental health care

Visiting the dentist twice a year can seem like a hassle, but it’s extremely important. These appointments do more than just check on your dental health and keep your smile looking good. Routine dental care can tell a lot about your overall wellness and are a vital part of staying healthy.

There has been a lot of research that suggests a strong connection between the health of the mouth and overall health.  Individuals with poor oral health tend to have other chronic or serious health conditions that can impact the quality of life.

If you are in the Cincinnati, OH area, Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry is ready to provide you with high quality, comprehensive dental care, call us today at (513) 815-3166.

Good Dental Health Care prevents oral diseases

The number one reason to receive routine, good dental health care is the prevention of oral infections and diseases such as decay and periodontal disease. During routine dental exams, patients will receive a thorough evaluation and professional dental cleaning. This accomplishes several goals:

1. During routine evaluations, the dental health team can detect early signs of decay or diseases. Identifying problems earlier often means that they are easier and less costly to treat.
2. During professional cleanings, the dental health team is able to eliminate plaque and tartar accumulation that is hard to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Even with good at-home oral hygiene, individuals can still have plaque accumulation that over time will lead to tooth decay.
3. During the exam, the dentist checks more than just the teeth, looking for any signs of oral cancer or other problems in the head and neck. Dentists are often the first to identify underlying health conditions that may present with symptoms in the mouth.

Good Dental Health Care can improve overall health

It is widely accepted that there is a link between gum disease and other health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Additionally, women who have gum disease while pregnant have higher rates of pre-term or lower birth-weight babies.

Identifying gum disease early and treating it before it has advanced can minimize the risk of other health complications and can also prevent permanent tooth loss. When permanent teeth are lost to gum disease it can lead to changes in appearance, quality of life, and self-esteem.

Poor Dental Health can lead to problems

If you do not take good care of your teeth and gums, you can develop several issues, including:

• Pain – Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that can cause both oral and facial pain. It is estimated that gum disease affects up to 75% of the population in the U.S.
• Cardiovascular problems – Gum disease infections in the mouth can potentially lead to cardiovascular problems. This is due largely to inflammation. Inflammation of the gum tissue can potentially lead to hardened arteries which restrict blood flow to the heart. When periodontal pockets become infected and inflamed, the bacteria and toxins can spread below the gum line, enter the bloodstream, and trigger inflammation in other areas of the body.

What you can do to improve your dental health

The good news is that improving your dental health is relatively easy with a few simple steps.

1. Develop and maintain a good oral hygiene routine – It is recommended that you brush at least twice every day for two minutes at a time and floss once every day. It’s also a good idea to use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
2. Eat a healthy diet – Consume a balanced diet with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and water. Try to avoid sugar whenever possible.
3. Quit smoking – Both smoking and tobacco are linked to an increase in gum disease and cancer.
4. Maintain regular dental visits – Dental exams are one of the most effective ways to monitor the health of the mouth and identify any early signs of gum disease or decay.

Schedule your check-up today

Whether it’s been 6 months or several years since your last dental check-up, it’s never too late to get back on track. At Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry, we are committed to providing quality, comprehensive dental care for you and your family. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (513) 815-3166 .