Just like many other health sciences, there has been a great amount of research surrounding dental care. As the years went on, patients, researchers and dentists worldwide alike made new discoveries which led to the evolution of dental care. Modern dental techniques recognize that dentistry stretches far beyond taking care of the teeth, but into overall health. Many dental professionals are taking on a new approach to treat patients wholly, beyond the oral cavity.
The Entryway To Your Body
Very few of us realize just how important of an organ – the tongue is, as well as the surrounding structures like the teeth and gums. Without full functionality of the mouth, we would be unable to communication and speak to others. Additionally, our mouths allow us to survive when it comes to digestion, as they are the entryway for all food and beverages. We have all hear the term ‘you are what you eat’ and at your dental checkup, this will come into full effect. Dentists are able to tell a lot from your dental health based on the condition, coloring and structural integrity of your mouth. Many underlying diseases such as diabetes and heart disease have a direct impact on your breath, tongue and level of moisture within the mouth and these can often be early signs of disease within other body systems.
Early Detection For A Later Life!
Just as adults attend annual mammograms, colonoscopies and physicals, it is important to attend your biannual dental checkup and cleaning to prolong your health. With today’s modern technology, there are new tools which aid dentists in early detection of diseases such as oral cancer, nerve root damage and gingivitis. Additionally, fixing these problems can often be done in just a couple of visits with state of the art dental laboratories and other resources which dentists and hygienists not have to complete full, comprehensive evaluations at each and every checkup. Studies show that those who comply with biannual cleanings often outlive those who chose to skip cleanings regularly. There are many forms of bacteria which the mouth is exposed to everyday from the food and beverages which we ingest, so it is important to make sure that nothing harmful develops, such as lesions, enamel decay, compromised nerve roots or gingivitis (disease of the gums). In their early stages, all of these findings are fairly simple to treat. However, as the infection worsens over a period of time, more invasive procedures and medication may need to be used, which will cost patients significantly more time and money.
