How Your Health Can Benefit from Regular General Dentist Visits

An appointment with a general dentist provides many benefits beyond cleaning the teeth. Oral hygiene is important to help maintain functions like chewing, swallowing, or speaking, but there is also a link between an individual’s overall health and oral health. Routine dental exams support good personal health.

What is the connection between physical health and oral health?

The body is a complex system of many parts working to protect each other and promote optimal functioning. The mouth is the primary gateway to the interior of the body, and it is one of the largest bacteria gathering spots on the body. Any bacteria that enters through the mouth has a direct passageway to the respiratory and digestive tracts. The mouth is a key entry point for bacteria carrying diseases, illnesses, or viruses.

Warding off potential health concerns

Through the guidance of a general dentist, a routine for good oral hygiene can have a significant impact on an individual’s health. Brushing and flossing each day keeps bacteria from breeding and getting ingested by the body. Bacteria that is allowed to build up can lead to oral infections, creating conditions like gum disease or tooth decay. A thorough dental exam reveals if these conditions are present.

Links to bodily areas

There are many serious health conditions linked to bacteria entering through the mouth. Endocarditis is an infection that can develop within the lining of the heart, and pneumonia is a lung condition that can develop from certain bacteria that gets pulled down into the respiratory system. There is also concern that gum disease can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Less noticeable connections

For those who have trouble sleeping at night, a visit to the dentist may determine what the problem is. A general dentist looks carefully at the placement and alignment of the teeth, the size of the jaw and tongue, or the color of the throat. Through this exam, a patient may be diagnosed with sleep apnea and receive a referral for further analysis. Poor dietary habits may also be discussed if the dentist discovers cavities or decay in the teeth. Adjusting an unhealthy diet can have a significant positive impact on the rest of the body.

Is there a connection between oral health and mental health?

Mental health does not always get the attention it needs, but regular visits to a general dentist can also influence this area of health. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss, either from extraction or natural loss. Gaps between teeth or misalignment can occur because of missing teeth, potentially altering a person’s appearance. Extreme self-consciousness or anxiety about appearance can lead to depression and other mental health concerns. Scheduling a routine checkup can not only prevent these situations but also present solutions.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Regular General Dentist Visits in Oxford, MS

Conclusion

There are many areas of an individual’s overall health that can be impacted by oral hygiene and health. Keeping regular general dentist visits benefits both areas of wellness.

Request an appointment or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 662-546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.

Recent Posts

How General Dentists Detect And Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…

The Role Of A General Dentist In Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…

3 Questions To Ask A General Dentist

Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on to learn more. Visiting a general dentist for regular check-ups is essential for maintaining good oral health. By learning more about their oral health, patients can prevent potential problems and be more aware of changes that may require attention.Going to…

Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

How General Dentists Detect and Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone…

6 days ago

The Role of a General Dentist in Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health,…

2 weeks ago

3 Questions To Ask a General Dentist

Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on…

3 weeks ago

Dental Veneers Are a Solution for Chipped Teeth

Dental veneers are often used to cover a chipped, cracked, or worn tooth.

3 weeks ago

Visit a General Dentist To Maintain Your Oral Health

A general dentist's contributions to a patient's oral health include both preventative care and the…

3 weeks ago

How a General Dentist Can Help Prevent Cavities

A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth…

1 month ago