Many people are tempted to let their dental cleanings slide several weeks or months. Some may skip one or two altogether. However, if you do miss regular checkups with your Livingston NJ general dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, you could be taking a very great risk. Dental visits are essential not just to your oral health but to your overall health as well as illustrated by the list below.
Why Dental Checkups Are Important
Tartar is stubborn and may resist brushing. In order to attack your teeth, damaging oral bacteria will attempt to attach to them. In order to adhere to teeth, these bacteria will form plaque, a clear, sticky film. Once attached to teeth, these bacteria will damage them by consuming any lingering sugar in the mouth, which will cause the bacteria to give off an acid byproduct strong enough to erode enamel. In order to protect your teeth, you must remove the plaque from them by brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, plaque that remains on teeth for 48 hours will harden into tartar, a particularly stubborn substance. Oftentimes, tartar may prove impossible to remove with a toothbrush, making dental cleanings, during which a hygienist can remove tartar with special dental instruments, essential in preventing tooth decay.
An unhealthy mouth can affect the rest of your body. The body is made up of multiple interconnected systems. Thus, when something goes wrong with one system, the problem can affect another system. Gum disease, for example, may wreak havoc in the mouth, eventually creating the possibility of tooth loss. However, the damaging potential of gum disease extends beyond the mouth. Research has documented a significant connection between gum disease and heart disease, noting the presence of the same bacteria in each disease. Thus, people who develop gum disease are at a greater risk of developing heart disease.
Tooth loss can lead to nutrition problems. People often think of how tooth loss will affect their appearance. However, losing teeth can also create problems with daily tasks like eating and chewing. Having fewer teeth makes breaking down food more difficult, and people will often change their diets to accommodate the condition of their mouths. Unfortunately, these alterations usually neglect vegetables and fruits and overload on soft carbohydrates, resulting in an unbalanced and unhealthy diet.
About Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom:The Silverstrom Dental Group provides the latest in comprehensive dental care for patients in Livingston, NJ and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 797-9345.
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