Oral health is far more important to your overall health than you may realize. Neglect your teeth and gums by not brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist for regular checkups, etc. and cavities/gingivitis/periodontal disease will be in your future.
Neglect to visit a dentist for serious issues such as loose teeth, gum issues, painful teeth and advanced periodontal disease and you very well could end up with heart disease.
So while you may not want to visit your dentist regularly and brush your teeth, it’s critical that you do so.
What’s more, your dentist truly does want you to talk to him. He wants you to ask him questions. We too often discuss just the pleasantries when we go in for our dental checkups and leave with a quick goodbye.
But your regular dental visit can be goldmine of good information for you. Use this time at your dentist’s office wisely by asking the following five questions:
1. “What’s this thing on the roof of my mouth?” If the dentist or hygienist doesn’t do so (but you can bet your last dollar they more than likely will), ask them to check the inside of your mouth for lesions. A lesion often is an indication of oral cancer and dental professionals often are the first to detect the disease.
2. “Should I be worried about my bleeding gums?” If you’re gums bleed regularly and/or every time you brush, you definitely should bring this up to your dentist. The occasional bleeding of gums after brushing vigorously or flossing isn’t cause for concern; bleeding consistently is a problem. If your gums bleed, it’s a sign of inflammation – your mouth is infected and the infection could spread to other parts of your body.
3.“I’ve heard that abrasive toothpastes, such as those that claim to whiten my teeth, can ruin my enamel. Is this true?” Probably not. The mild abrasives such as papain and silica – often found in OTC tooth whitening toothpastes will help in removing stains and whitening and polishing your teeth.
4. “I never eat candy, cookies, pies, or cakes. Yet you’re telling me I have a cavity! What gives?” Candy and sugary foods aren’t the only cavity-causing foods. Starches found in breads and pastas also can cause cavities, as can the sugars in fruit juices and wines. Starches and acids can make your mouth too acidic, which can then become a nursery for the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
5.“My doctor is having me take a low-dosage aspirin every day. Is that a problem?” It could be, particularly if you’re there to have a tooth extracted. Aspirin – even at low dosages – can cause bleeding. You should tell your dentist about all medicines your taking.
Your dentist can be your first-line of defense for a variety of health issues. Talk it up during appointments! Don’t be shy!
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