Oral health is really important since it is associated with overall health in many ways. Poor oral hygiene can lead to poor body health and many complications in the long-run. Patients who fail to visit the dentist regularly are likely to miss something important and wind up with bigger oral health issues and dental bills.
Common dental problems such as plaque, cavities and gum disease, often occur because of lack of proper oral hygiene. Even diligent brushers and flossers can experience these problems at some point if they fail to visit a dentist, such as the ones at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1, for regular check-ups and cleanings. An experienced dentist will be able to show patients how to do proper oral hygiene at home, but since prevention is the key to most oral health care issues, making regular dental appointments is also crucial.
Why visit the dentist?
There are two main reasons to visit a dentist on regular basis – gum disease and tooth decay prevention.
The consumption of foods and drinks gradually leads to the build-up of plaque and calculus beneath the gum line. If not removed properly by a dentist, these can cause gum disease. Early stages of gum disease have virtually no symptoms and can only be traced and prevented by an experienced dentist.
Studies have shown that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Plaque and tartar consist of many harmful bacteria that eventually find their way into the bloodstream. While a certain amount of bacteria is expected in every mouth, gum disease increases those levels dramatically. This way, harmful bacteria can pass through the blood cells and end up in the heart causing heart disease.
On the other hand, tooth decay is another important reason to visit the dentist regularly. Untreated cavities can eventually turn into more serious problems. Advanced tooth decay can cause pain, swelling or even the loss of a tooth. Losing a tooth can be detrimental to a patient’s oral and overall health, because that’s the main way of chewing food and supporting the facial structure.
Visiting the dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, will help keep teeth and gums healthy for longer.
