Regardless of one’s age, dental care is important for maintaining the overall health of the mouth and the body as proper oral health is not just important for a healthy physical appearance; it is also vital to the well being of the whole body. Proper dental care is essential in order to avoid issues such as dental plaque, tooth decay, tartar and other gum diseases from occurring. Keeping the teeth and gums clean can help to keep various gum diseases, cavities and other health disorders at bay.

To maintain good dental health, it is imperative to keep the teeth clean and visit a dentist regularly. However, in most cases, people suffer from oral diseases only because of their laziness or lack of knowledge about proper dental health. Generally, children and sometimes adults often ignore their dental health as they fail to understand that good teeth and gums are very important for keeping the entire body fit and healthy. As a matter of fact, they dread visiting the dental clinic because they believe that it involves painful procedures. This is actually a complete misconception. Due to technological advancements, the dentistry field has become quite innovative and procedures have become far less painful. Dental checkups, cleanings, tartar removal etc, have become easier and the devices that are used by dentists now-a-days are very patient-friendly.

Importance of Visiting a Dentist:

Dental health is directly linked to the overall well-being and health of the body in a numerous ways. The ability of a person to chew and swallow the food is crucial for obtaining the nutrients that are needed for optimum health. Moreover, other than the impact on dietary status, poor oral health can also affect one’s speech and self-esteem. Diseases associated with dental care can entail both social and financial burdens because the treatment processes are expensive and can cause both kids and adults to miss their school or work due to adverse dental conditions.

Visiting a dental clinic on a regular basis is vital since a regular check up will ensure that the gums and teeth are healthy. It is advisable to visit a dentist every six months as it can help in identifying oral diseases in their initial stages and prevent its aggravation. It also is imperative to provide the dentist with a full medical history and point out any recent or re-occurring issues, even if they are not linked to the mouth.

Regular check-ups allow the dentist to keep the patient’s mouth in top-notch shape. The dentist will also look for developments that indicate problems elsewhere in the body. Through an oral examination, the dentist can also gather traces on poor hygiene and nutrition, any development and growth issues of the teeth and improper alignment of jaw. The dentist will also offer counselling on special dental health care requirements, like smoking cessation.

Risks Associated With Unhealthy Gums:

Good dental hygiene and health encompasses more than a beautiful smile and the ease of eating food. Good dental health has a significant impact on the general health of a person throughout his or her life. Oral diseases are linked with fatal health conditions like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Therefore, it is imperative to practice good oral health and be aware of the risks linked with improper dental health. Here are a few health risks that arise due to unhealthy gums.

Gum Diseases: 

Gum diseases arise due to build-up of plaque under and beside the gum lining, which gradually leads to infections that make the gums tender, swollen and painful. It can also cause bleeding and the condition when the gums start bleeding, is referred to as gingivitis. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis can aid in preventing gum diseases. However, if the condition deteriorates, the dentist may have to treat it without any delay. If the condition is left untreated, it can damage the bones, the gums, as well as the tissues that surround the teeth. Ultimately, the dentist may have to extract the teeth to prevent further decay of the adjacent teeth and gums.

Heart Disease:

Apart from taking care of the teeth, good dental health care can help to save a life. Oral bacteria that thrive in the mouth due to inappropriate dental care can seep into the bloodstream. Over a period of time, it can form blood clots in the arteries that may prompt a heart attack or stroke.

Digestion Problems:

Digestion starts in the mouth with chemical and physical processes, and issues in the mouth can cause intestinal malfunction, irritable bowel syndrome and many other digestive-related disorders.

Prevent Oral Cancer:

Many people die from oral cancer. During a regular dental check-up, the dentist and the oral hygienist often screen the patients for this particular cancer. If identified at an early stage, one can have a pretty good chance of having this treated successfully.

Cavities or Tooth Decay: 

Enamel or the outer covering of teeth, gets covered by a thin coat of bacteria each day. Sooner or later, it causes holes in the enamel that are called as caries or cavities. Brushing and flossing twice a day can go a long way in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride-based toothpaste is generally recommended by dentists to prevent the onset of tooth cavities. However, one must seek advice from a dentist if he or she notices cavities, as if the condition worsens it can lead to teeth removal.

Other Factors:

Good dental health is particularly important for pregnant women. As per dental experts, gum diseases in pregnant women can be associated with premature birth and low birth weight. Moreover, people who suffer from diabetes are required to practice healthy dental care as they are prone to dental infections.

Due to all these complications, it is essential that oral care begins at a young age. If dental health is ignored it can result in infection, pain, low self-esteem and severe health issues. Hence, the importance of dental health should not be ignored. Dentists can offer preventive care to preserve oral health and identify issues at an early stage. Timely intervention can help to prevent most of the problems that arise due to oral conditions.

Overall, the risks linked with unhealthy teeth and gums can be easily prevented through good dental care practices. Hence, one should not underestimate the importance of dental health. Optimal dental health is an excellent way to keep the overall health of the body fit and fresh at all times.