We all know we’re meant to pay a visit to our local dentist once every six months. But knowing what we should do and actually doing it are two entirely different things, and according to one source, as many as one in twenty Brits admit to never visiting the dentist at all.
Dentists are well aware of the many reasons people put off trips to the dentist. Some people suffer greatly from dental phobia, while others have incredibly busy lives that push matters such as dental visits to the very end of the to-do list. However, regular dental checkups are recommended for good reason.
Not everyone knows how much oral health really matters or realises where the repercussions of poor dental hygiene can rear its ugly head. Below, we’ll explore five reasons why oral health is so very important and why you should be scheduling your next dental appointment today.
- Problems with Oral Health Can Indicate Bigger Health Problems
The eyes might be the windows to the soul, but the mouth is certainly a window into your overall health. Oral health offers invaluable clues to possible problems in the rest of your body. Catching things early really can mean the difference between life and death.
For example, 90% of systemic conditions (conditions that involve many bodily organs), such as diabetes, kidney disease and AIDS, first become apparent through mouth lesions or other such oral signs and symptoms. On top of this, dental appointments are a great opportunity for your dentist to spot early signs of oral cancers, particularly if you smoke or drink regularly. This might sound daunting, but being forewarned is being forearmed, and if these conditions are caught early, survival rates are much higher than if they are left untreated.
- Dental Health and Sexual Health
Did you know that according to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, men who had severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to suffer from erectile problems?
Though more research is needed before we can conclusively link erectile dysfunction and periodontal disease, what we can say is that periodontal disease may be associated with vascular disease, which is a common cause of male sexual problems. On top of this, periodontal disease also impacts men’s health in relation to heart disease, cancer and prostate health.
- Poor Dental Hygiene Can Lead to Serious Infections
Saliva is an incredible thing — it breaks down our food and protects us against certain bacteria and infections. But saliva can’t do everything. At any one point, you have more than 500 species of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria form dental plaque, which, if not kept on top of, can cause problems.
Plaque can lead to gingivitis, which left untreated can lead to a gum infection known as periodontitis. The most severe form of this infection is called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis, but it is more commonly referred to as “trench mouth”. This condition is characterised by pain, bleeding gums and ulcers — so don’t let this harmful bacteria grow!
- Plaque Might Actually Cause Further Health Conditions
You don’t need a degree in dentistry to know that if you neglect your teeth, they might fall out. But dental neglect doesn’t just end there. Evidence suggests that oral infections might be related to cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, memory loss and preterm birth. Chronic gum disease might even make diabetes more difficult to control, as infection can cause insulin resistance, which disrupts blood sugar control.
- Your Oral Health Can Greatly Impact Your Mental Health and Confidence
Poor dental health or certain conditions (such as bad breath, yellowing teeth or gaps between your teeth) can seriously erode feelings of personal value and self-confidence. This, in turn, is harmful to mental health. Someone with poor oral health might withdraw or become socially anxious, which can lead to depression.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure — so brush and floss regularly. But if you have been putting off your dental appointments, get in touch with your local dentist today. If you’re a particularly nervous patient, be sure to tell them beforehand. You might be surprised at how accommodating and helpful dentists can be.
About the Author: Monika Laczna is the owner of Blue Light Dental and Aesthetic Clinic, where she continuously takes care of over 4,600 patients. As a qualified dentist, her aim is to create a holistic clinic with the use of the latest modern technology.
All good reasons Monika. This is why I brush daily. Like clockwork 🙂