At the start of a new year, most people are concerned with making new career moves, losing weight or saving money. What shouldn’t be overlooked, though, is oral health. That’s because it can impact more than just the teeth and gums. As you continue reading, you’ll discover why visiting a dentist in Dublin early in the year should be at the top of your priority list, and other ways that you can boost your oral health!
Why You Should Visit a Dentist Now
The beginning of the year is a chance to get a fresh start to your dental wellness, and a preventive care visit to a local dentist plays a huge role in the process. While you’re there, your teeth and gums will be carefully examined to check for any signs of cavities, misalignment, abnormal growths, gum disease or any of the other possible threats to your oral health.
Additionally, a skilled hygienist will remove any built-up plaque. This is important given that the sticky substance is a leading contributor to tooth and gum decay.
Another benefit of a semi-annual visit is that any developing issues can be discovered and treated early. This will allow you to avoid any unnecessary suffering and save money in the long run. There is still yet more for you to gain, though.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Total Wellness
In many cases, the condition of your oral health can reflect the state of your overall wellness. For example, if plaque is allowed to accumulate in your mouth, then the inflammation that it creates can travel to other parts of your body.
Here are some of the serious health problems that dental negligence can contribute to:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Liver dysfunction
- Pancreatic cancer
- Oral cancer
The best way to treat these conditions is to prevent them from happening. By being proactive and working with a dentist, you have a much better chance of doing so.
What Else Can You Do?
There are also steps you can take on your own to fortify your oral and overall health. For starters, it’s of the utmost importance that you practice consistent oral hygiene. The two pillars of your routine should be to brush and floss at least two times a day, as they will help to remove any lingering debris that could lead to plaque forming.
An even simpler habit to incorporate into your lifestyle is drinking more water. Not only will it help to keep you hydrated, but it will also aid in removing leftover particles from your mouth.
By putting all of these pieces of the puzzle together, you can expect nothing less than superb oral health this year!
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck is an experienced and compassionate dentist. He understands the importance of prevention, which is why he encourages his patients to visit early in the year for checkups and cleanings. Dr. Buck provides preventive care at Distinctive Smiles, and he can be reached for more information through his website.