We all know that we need that twice per year “teeth cleaning.” It is so refreshing to have smooth shiny teeth. But we need to keep in mind that it is more than a “teeth cleaning.” This appointment helps maintain your periodontal health, identify oral cancer, screen for high blood pressure and diagnose dental disease at its inception.
Eighty percent of the population has some form of periodontal disease ranging from the commonly known and easily treated gingivitis to severe periodontal disease where saving the teeth is no longer an option and we are removing them, possibly to replace them with dental titanium implants. Maintaining your gingival health is much more cost effective than periodontal treatment, extractions and implants. These more proactive treatments will result in a healthier mouth with less decay and ultimately less needed treatment.
Annually we perform Oral Cancer Screenings on all of our patients. Luckily only a small percentage of the lesions we diagnose are other than benign. But early diagnosis is vital in allowing more conservative treatment. The lower jaw is also a frequent location for metastasis of other cancers.
In recent years research is showing that periodontal disease is interactive with systemic diseases. Periodontal disease can be exacerbated by disease and the medications that treat them. Diabetes and cardiac diseases in particular. Some medications cause the gums to over grow the teeth, making it impossible to keep them clean. Others cause dry mouth, which radically increases decay and bone loss. Still others decrease the immune system allowing infection to run rampant and escalate bone loss.
Your “teeth cleaning” appointment is a crucial part of maintaining your medical and oral health. The value is incredible!
For more information, please call 661-255-2545.