It is quite disturbing that, in a country such as the United States, many adults do not take their health seriously. Most Americans do not appear in the doorway of a doctor’s office until something is seriously wrong. By that time, of course, the effects of such neglect could be detrimental.
The area of orthodontic health especially suffers as adults age. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that the dentist is only there to keep your teeth white. Orthodontists and dentists don’t just make sure your smile look good. A dentist can help you detect other health issues such as heart problems that could lead to stroke or cardiac arrest. Such is the reason why semi-annual dental check-ups, along with other health tests, are essential.
What does the dentist do during a semi-annual checkup?
You should especially consider jumping on the semi-annual checkup train if you have not been to the dentist in years. Some people stop going to the dentist just as soon as they reach adulthood because they think that semi-annual dental checkups are a waste of time and money. After all, if you brush your teeth every day, isn’t that all the cleaning that they need?
Your diligent brushing only scratches the surface to what your teeth actually need. You brush your teeth every day to ensure that excessive bacteria does not build and cause decay. Only a dentist can remove the particles that your toothbrush missed over the past few months or years. Who knows how much bacteria has built up?
According to Doctor’s Dental, “Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay.” Your ortho specialist will ordinarily clean your teeth and inspect them for cavities during the semi-annual checkup.
A dentist may also check your gums for signs of gingivitis, which could lead to tooth decay and loss. Gingivitis is also said to have a strong connection with heart disease. Colgate explains that “Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside your mouth. In heart disease, one theory is that gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks.” The dentist checking for this issue, then, carries a two-fold benefit: protect both your mouth and your heart from dangerous plaque and decay.
Don’t Avoid Taking Care of Yourself
With age comes more responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is looking after your health. You should not neglect your health but should, rather, be proactive in care. Your health is the doorway to many opportunities in life. You should not neglect it; be active in maintaining a good quality of life.