May 2008 Dental Awareness Diabetes & Gum Disease Top Facts Your Dentist Should Know
Dental check ups include oral cancer screenings. When you go for your regular dental checkup, your dentist and hygienist are also screening you for any signs of oral cancer. Every hour of every day, someone dies of oral cancer in the United States. This serious dental disease which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat is also highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and avoiding tobacco are the key factors in preventing oral cancer.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease affects your overall health. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart disease and strokes. If diagnosed in the early stage, gingivitis can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease, called Periodontitis, which includes bone loss, may follow. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups and cleanings are the best prevention against gum disease.
Dental cleanings and checkups are extremely important. Going to the dentist for regular checkups & cleanings is one of the most important factors in maintaining good oral health. Regular checkups can prevent cavities, root canals, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental conditions. Don't wait until you have a problem before you see your dentist; help prevent problems before they happen.
Brushing twice a day helps keep cavities away. When you brush your teeth properly at least twice a day, you are removing the plaque that causes cavities. Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Flossing daily will remove the plaque from in between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Removing plaque from your teeth also helps to prevent gum disease.
