Are you scared to go to the dentist? You’re not alone. About 36% of Americans fear dental treatment, keeping many from regular appointments.1 Or perhaps you feel too busy to schedule your next checkup. Unfortunately, avoiding dental visits can affect your overall health. Skipping dental appointments for long periods can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other complications. Stay motivated to follow through with the top 10 reasons to visit a dentist today.
Although the exact link is unknown, research shows that oral and heart health are closely connected. Gum disease can precede heart attacks and strokes,2 which is especially concerning considering that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years or older have some form of gum disease.3 Symptoms such as red and swollen gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath and bleeding while brushing should be discussed with a dentist to treat the disease.
Diabetes can contribute to dental issues such as gum disease, so it’s crucial to include dentist visits in diabetes care. Diabetes symptoms can affect oral health, including:4
Why is it important to go to the dentist during pregnancy? Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase the risk of periodontal disease and, therefore, potentially affect the baby’s health. During pregnancy, 40% of women will develop gingivitis,5 so stay on top of regular cleanings and tell your dentist about tender or bleeding gums.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can affect oral health. Vitamin and nutrition deficiencies and stomach acid damage can lead to enamel loss, enlarged salivary glands, mouth sores and teeth sensitivity.6 Dentists can help identify signs of an eating disorder and get help for the patient.
During an oral cancer screening, a dentist will check for abnormalities in the cheeks, gums, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth. This quick exam is valuable for an early diagnosis, as almost 54,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with oral or oropharyngeal cancer.7
An untreated cavity can lead to painful issues such as an abscess, a severe infection under the gums that can spread to other parts of the body.8 Treating cavities early on can help prevent more severe conditions.
Bad breath can be caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth, gum disease or another health condition.9 A dentist can help diagnose the cause and offer ways to eliminate bad breath, including antibacterial toothpaste, bacteria-killing mouth rinse or treatment of bacteria-filled pockets caused by gum disease.
Fillings, crowns, veneers and other dental work can get damaged or worn out. A dentist can check on previous work to make sure it’s still in place and in good condition. If any damage is detected, the dentist can adjust to ensure maximum oral health and prevent more serious issues.
Whether you catch a cavity early, identify cancer in its beginning stages or better manage diabetes, regular dental visits can help save money and reduce the need for more invasive procedures down the road. A simple filling is far easier to bear — financially and physically — than a root canal or tooth extraction. A preventive approach is the best approach to oral health.
Better breath, healthy-looking teeth and freedom from oral pain can help boost confidence. Smile more when you don’t feel like there’s something to hide or cover up. Regular cleanings can help maintain a beautiful, welcoming smile.
Daily routines and regular dental visits help contribute to your overall health. The top 10 reasons to visit a dentist today outweigh reasons to procrastinate and help prevent potential issues that can result without treatment. At GuideStone®, we care about your overall well-being and offer tools and resources with a GuideStone dental plan. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
1my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists
2pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/march/gum-disease-and-heart-disease
3cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
4diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/diabetes-gum-disease-risk
5webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-pregnancy
6colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/anorexia-bulimia/how-do-eating-disorders-affect-your-mouth-0314
7my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21056-oral-cancer-screening
8cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/cavities/index.html
9mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350925
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