You may already be aware that your smile says a lot about you. A warm, welcoming smile can lead to a successful introduction. Teeth with a flawless, healthy appearance tell others you take time for daily hygiene and care. However, the story your smile tells a dentist during preventive dental exams may be much more important. That story might just save your life. Dentists say that regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings should be your first line of defense against overall health conditions as well as an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Recent reports indicate there are numerous ways a trip to the dentist can keep you healthier and happier for life.
Worn Teeth May Indicate Anxiety
If your dentist notices teeth that look overly worn or stubby, this may be an indication of anxiety. Many people manifest stress by clenching their muscles. This includes the jaw muscles. The clenched jaws can lead to nighttime teeth grinding, called bruxism, that can cause noticeable damage or wear to tooth enamel in a short period of time. Some patients are chronic sufferers from bruxism, but if teeth suddenly show signs of this concern, you may want to reduce stresses or talk to a doctor or psychologist about treatments for anxiety. Additionally, we may recommend you wear a nightguard to protect teeth from unconscious grinding and clenching.
Enamel Erosion and Chronic Decay Caused by Eating Disorders & Poor Diet
Patients with eating disorders or who eat a poor diet often experience enamel erosion and frequent tooth decay that leads to cavities, dental sensitivity, and other oral health issues. We are what we eat, so not eating or consuming nutritionally inadequate foods will lead to serious oral and overall health concerns. Patients who binge and purge are at especially high risk for acid erosion and tooth decay caused by stomach acids destroying healthy dental structures. It’s important patients work with physicians, therapists, and/or dietitians to improve dietary health in combination with dental repairs.
Gum Disease Increases Risk for Diabetes & Heart Disease
If we notice bleeding, inflamed, or damaged soft tissue, you may be suffering from periodontal (gum) disease. There are two main forms: gingivitis, the mild version, and periodontitis, the advanced type. Both forms of gum disease put you at a greater risk for chronic and systemic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. In fact, diabetics who do not prevent or treat gum disease are more likely to lose teeth than other gum disease sufferers. While gum disease and diabetes seem to be cyclically linked, one worsening the other in an endless loop unless both are treated, the connection with heart disease is less straightforward. However, the research is clear – periodontal disease is much more common in patients who suffer from heart disease. Visiting a dentist for regular preventive exams and teeth cleanings and maintaining a good at home care routine should be enough to protect your smile, but if gum disease does occur, it’s important you seek treatment right away.
Meet the Indy Dental Group Team
If you want to learn more about how regular preventive dental checkups can save your life, contact the Indy Dental Group team in Westfield. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment. Come back to read our blog regularly to stay in the know about all of our dentistry services and events happening in our communities.