When was the last time you scheduled a dentist appointment? Seeing your prosthodontist/dentist on a regular basis is important because receiving preventative dental care reduces your risks of developing a number of problems and health issues.

Some may argue that it is not important to see your dentist every six months. It is true that each individual’s situation is different, but even the most healthy mouth can develop issues suddenly, and routine check-ups can help immensely in this regard.

Heart Health Problems

Inflamed gums and loose teeth are common symptoms of poor heart health. In fact, gum diseases such as periodontitis increases your risks of developing heart problems. The bacteria can travel from the gums to your heart and arteries, which can lead to plaque and clots forming. Treating periodontitis and other similar diseases lowers your risks of developing a more serious heart condition and your dentist can also recommends that you get checked for heart problems if they notice that you suffer from inflamed gums. Getting routine oral cleanings, and keeping up good dental hygiene, are recommended.

Diabetes

Diabetes often causes damages to the gums. If you have bleeding or painful gums and loose teeth, you might be suffering from diabetes. Diabetes also increases your risk of infection, which means your gums are more likely to become infected if you suffer from this condition. Your dentist might be the first one to diagnose you with diabetes and will help you adopt a good oral hygiene habit to reduce the risk of complications.

Osteoporosis

This condition affects women who have been through menopause and causes bones to become weaker. If you have osteoporosis, the bones that support your teeth will be affected and your gum line might start receding. Your teeth might also become loose. Your dentist will be able to determine if you suffer from osteoporosis or from another health problem if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as GERD causes the enamel on your teeth to start eroding. This condition particularly affects the back molars and is not always easy to detect since acid reflux usually happens at night. Acid reflux is a serious health problem since it can cause damages to the digestive tract. Your dentist might be the first one to notice the signs of this health problem if you mostly suffer from acid reflux during your sleep.

Mental Health Problems

A number of mental health problems can cause patients to neglect their oral health. Memory loss makes it difficult to remember to care for your teeth. The role of a dentist is to understand why a patient may have been neglecting their oral health and to advise the patient on how to improve their habits. A dentist might be the first one to figure out that a patient does not have a good oral health because of memory loss or because of another mental health problem.

Poor Nutrition

Your diet affects how healthy your teeth and gums are. If you suffer from an eating disorder or simply do not have a balanced diet, your dentist should notice that your diet has been affecting your oral health. Your dentist will give you some tips on how to improve your oral health and might recommend that you meet with another health professional to make some changes to your diet.

Your dentist can detect a number of health problems since your teeth and gums are a good reflect of your overall health. It is important to schedule regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned and inspected. This will lower your risks of developing a more serious oral health issue and your dentist might even recognize some early signs of a health condition. It is important to be diagnosed as early as possible since treating a condition, managing a health problem or recovering is always easier if you address the issue early.

NOVA Premier Dental offers the following comprehensive Services.