Health Advice from the Dentist Chair

Visit your dentist at least twice a year.

While the normal adult takes this to mean, visit exactly twice a year, the more health-conscious among us will get a checkup every quarter or even every other month.  The reason: Dentists act as a second barometer to healthy living.

When dentists check our teeth and gums, they see a glimpse of our lifestyle. Periodontal disease and dental caries can point to possible bad habits and hidden illnesses that led to oral decay.

Periodontal Disease

Take receding gum lines, for example. While people aged 40 and above see increased recession, it could also be attributed to overzealous brushing. Your dentist will then ask you to use a toothbrush with softer bristles, and be gentler with your strokes.

Another reason could be a combination of poor oral hygiene and a sugary diet. When you don’t thoroughly brush and floss, bacteria can build up between teeth and eat away the gums. Your dentist can remind you to spend more time cleaning your teeth and convince you to cut down on sweets.

Receding gum lines can also be a sign of bruxism or teeth grinding. Chronic stress, allergic reactions and Huntington’s disease may have triggered your sudden bout of bruxism, and will help you seek treatment accordingly.

Cigarette and tobacco smoking ranks high as well in causing periodontal disease, since chemicals in these products dry up your mouth and make it more susceptible to bacterial breeding.

Dental caries

Left unchecked, dental caries can manifest as dark spots on the teeth and cause excruciating pain.

Dental caries develop over time when bacteria turn carbohydrates like sugar into acid, which in turn breaks down the tooth mineral. Dentists will immediately remind you to brush your teeth well, floss and mouthwash especially after sweet, carb-heavy meals.

But if you’re doing all that, then it could be a sign that your natural saliva might be too weak to counteract the demineralization process. Your dentist will be able to recommend aids like stronger fluoride toothpaste.

While dentists can offer a lesson or two on healthy living, they can never replace doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Visit both on a regular basis for optimal results.

Health and Love,

Summer