It's a fact that your overall health is directly affected by your oral health. What a dentist finds in your mouth tells them about ailments you’re dealing with elsewhere in your body, too, such as diabetes and other chronic diseases or conditions.
The dental experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers know that good oral hygiene means good overall health and wellness. Located in Fayetteville, Vass, and Raeford, North Carolina, our team of professionals understands that regular dental cleanings can prevent painful, costly dental problems in the future as well as provide clues about your overall well-being.
Your mouth is the entranceway to your digestive tract and respiratory system. It’s also a window used to detect early signs of some diseases. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), many systemic diseases show early warning signs with oral symptoms. Regular dental checkups allow us to see problems as they arise.
In children, hypothyroidism is characterized by an enlarged tongue, thick lips, and a delay in losing baby teeth. In adults, a thyroid problem can cause gum disease and burning mouth syndrome, which occurs when your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, making it dry and painful.
Researchers at AAFP believe that in the next 20 years, almost 44 million Americans will be affected by diabetes. Your dentist can see the early warning signs: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to gum disease and infections, along with fungal infections and burning mouth syndrome.
GERD is chronic heartburn. The issue takes place where your stomach and esophagus connect, so your oral health is affected by this chronic condition. You might have a sore throat, inflamed gums, or bad breath.
GERD also causes the erosion of tooth enamel, leaving teeth unprotected. Without enamel, your teeth can chip or crack, and cause pain when eating or drinking. Once enamel is gone, it’s gone for good, so it’s crucial to ensure that this doesn’t happen.
Professional dental cleanings are great for keeping your smile bright and making sure all of your enamel is healthy and intact. Having your teeth cleaned at Hometown Family Dental Centers helps keep your breath fresh, and we can even remove stains that are discoloring your teeth.
Gum disease begins with a buildup of plaque. If you aren’t getting regular cleanings, you might have a lot of excess plaque in your mouth that hardens and becomes bacteria-filled tartar. Tartar buildup leads to gum disease. If gum disease progresses too far without intervention, teeth loosen and eventually fall out.
Regular dental cleanings prevent you from potentially costly dental problems down the road. Having a professional cleaning every six months keeps your pearly whites in top shape, saving you money on pricey corrective procedures.
If you’re ready to schedule your dental cleaning, call the Hometown Family Dental Centers location closest to you. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to seeing your smile.
