3 Unexpected Reasons You Should See Your Dentist Regularly

You've probably already heard the usual reasons that you should visit the dentist: to prevent cavities and tooth decay. You may not know that good oral hygiene can provide other health benefits. Taking good care of your teeth is more important than you realize. Here are three unexpected reasons you should see your dentist for regular cleanings.

1. Prevent heart disease.

You know that it's important to exercise and eat a healthy diet to protect your heart, but you might not know that your oral health also affects your heart. Bacteria naturally builds up in your mouth throughout the course of the day, and you get rid of it by brushing and flossing your teeth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, the bacteria can grow unchecked. According to Mayo Clinic, studies show that oral bacteria may be a contributing factor in strokes, heart attacks, and clogged arteries.

2. Avoid infection.

Plaque buildup can cause cavities, but it can also cause oral infections. Infections develop when the bacteria in your mouth reaches critical levels that overwhelm your immune system. You're more likely to develop an infection if your immune system is weakened due to certain drugs or conditions. When you don't take care of your teeth, you can develop an infection in your gums called periodontitis. Left untreated, this disease can eat away at the bones of your jaw. Infection can also spread from your mouth to other parts of your body via your bloodstream, which can be very dangerous.

3. Have a healthy pregnancy.

The infections caused by poor oral hygiene can be especially devastating to pregnant women. Studies show that periodontitis can cause early labor in expectant mothers, resulting in premature children. Babies may also be born underweight and require more medical intervention. If you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it's critical that you take care of your teeth. Both your health and the health of your future baby depends on it.

Good oral hygiene starts at home, so it's important that you brush and floss your teeth every day. That said, it's not enough to take care of your teeth at home. Going to the dentist every six months allows your dentist to examine your teeth and gums for decay. When oral problems are caught early, they can be treated before they become disastrous. These are just a few of the reasons that you should get regular check-ups.

For more information, check out a website like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com today.


Share