It is quite easy to put off dental visits, as most people think that if they’re not in pain, everything is going well. While you may have that same attitude with your physician, your dentist is very different. Residents of Chicago, Illinois shouldn’t wait until they’re in pain or experience a crisis before they get help because dentists are there to catch problems early and prevent decay.
Prevent Heart Attack/Stroke
Studies have shown that if you get your teeth cleaned/scraped professionally, even once a year, you are helping to reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack. When tartar builds up and isn’t removed, it can lead to inflammation of the gums (from bacteria left sitting on the teeth). That inflammation can reach your heart and brain, causing numerous problems.
Oral Cancer Detection
With cancer seeming to run rampant through everyday lives, it makes sense to get screenings as often as necessary. Most people don’t realize that the dentist is the best person to detect and prevent oral cancer. Chicago, Illinois residents should always consult with their primary care doctor, but doctors usually don’t focus on the mouth. Dentists have special tools to detect cancer, and it doesn’t hurt and isn’t invasive.
Cavities/Gum Disease
Most people seek dental care to prevent cavities and gingivitis. A routine cleaning can prevent cavities because it removes tartar buildup. Therefore, the bacteria can’t sit and destroy the enamel and get into the tooth surface or to the root. Likewise, they can also prevent gum disease because the bacteria are removed, as well.
Your dentist is there to clean your teeth and keep them healthy, warning you when issues could arise.