TOP 4 REASONS TO GET REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS

Too often people do not take their dental checkups seriously. The prevailing attitude is, "I brush
every day. I don't need my teeth cleaned."The importance of a 6 month checkup is overlooked.
There is so much more that happens at your checkup than just getting your teeth cleaned.
Here are some of the reasons you should have regular checkups:

tartar buildup
cavities
structural issues of the teeth and jaw
gum disease

Tartar builds up on the surface of your teeth and can only be removed during a professional
cleaning. Depending on how well you brush, the tartar can be minimal or significant. The problem
with tartar and plaque is that they contain bacteria which can lead to gingivitis, the first sign of
gum disease (periodontitis).
Gum disease can progress from simply inflamed gums to a point where bone and tooth loss can
occur. Worse yet, the disease-causing bacteria can enter the bloodstream where it causes other
health concerns including cardiac and pulmonary conditions. The health of your mouth is directly
related to your overall health. Many diseases of the mouth are indicative of other health problems
or cause other issues elsewhere in the body. A holistic dentist (see recommended San Diego
holistic dentist) believes in treating the whole patient and believes that in keeping the oral cavity
healthy keeps the rest of the body healthy.
X-rays help to identify cavities that need to be filled in order to stop the progress of tooth decay.
Unchecked tooth decay leads to abscesses and tooth loss. The x-rays also show issues that may
be present in the tooth structure under the gum surface and are undetectable upon physical
examination. Your holistic dentist may not utilize x-rays as frequently as a traditional dentist due
to concerns about exposure to radiation and potential overuse by practitioners.
A hygienist scrapes the tartar and plaque off your teeth, and then uses an electric brush and gritty
toothpaste to remove any residual tartar. A professional flossing is next and then a quick rinse,
and you will be on your way. If the patient is a child, a fluoride treatment is administered after the
cleaning is completed. Many holistic dentists do not subscribe to the supposed benefits of fluoride
and do not use fluoride treatments in their practice, so this step may be skipped altogether at a
visit to a holistic dental professional.
Before proceeding with a dental checkup, find out if you are someone needs to take
antibiotics prior to any dental procedures. The mouth is host to a large number of bacteria and
that bacteria can enter the body through the blood and cause infections. Most people who have
compromised immune systems are required to have antibiotic therapy before getting any dental
work done.
If you are overdue for a dental check up call your dental office and set up an appointment at your
earliest convenience. Being proactive about your dental health is important for your health in
general.
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