Healthcare and dental decisions are important for every family. We continue to see more evidence supporting the impact our oral health has on our overall health. This means that avoiding the dentist shouldn’t be an option for us anymore.
Oral health isn’t about having white teeth and good breath. Oral health covers so much more of our mouths that we thought 50 years ago. And the result of maintaining good brushing and flossing stretches far beyond just healthy gums and teeth. In fact, health experts now believe that with good oral hygiene comes good overall health.
How Oral Health Impacts our Wellness
A variety of health conditions have been linked to our oral health including diabetes, heart disease, and even osteoporosis. The simple daily task of maintaining good oral health can help us avoid serious chronic conditions and overall health complications.
On top of this, avoiding the dentist can lead to missed early detection of health issues originating in the mouth. If U.S. tennis star Nicole Gibbs had skipped her routine appointment, she may not have learned that she had a rare form of salivary gland cancer. Instead, her dentist identified an unusual growth in her mouth, which lead to a biopsy and eventually surgery to remove the tumor. She returned to action in time for Wimbledon.
Other consequences of poor dental health include the inability to chew and swallow food, which can lead to lack of proper nutrition; trouble speaking properly, which can impact personal and professional relationships; and even loss of self-esteem.
The Cost of Avoiding the Dentist
There’s also a financial benefit to stop avoiding the dentist. The cost of treating more serious illnesses is significantly higher than routine preventative dental care.
As you approach your healthcare decisions, consider the significance of maintaining good oral health, too. Make sure you’re actively taking steps to keep your mouth healthy.
Start by creating a solid daily oral health routine, like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Then book that biannual checkup with your dentist.
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