Dental Visits for Better Overall Health

Posted on

Oct 27, 2015

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Going to the dentist is so much more than your smile. Today more than ever before, we know that your oral health affects every system of your body.

Regular 3, 4, or 6 month preventative maintenance dental appointments are as necessary as a seniors oral homecare for your teeth. But, we also now know that it has become medically necessary to see your dentist on a regular basis to help prevent serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or pancreatic cancer. Yes, thats right your technically advanced dentist can help you with much more today than ever before.
And that is why most seniors see their dentist more often than they see their medical doctor. For example did you know that when there is periodontal disease present, a senior is at a much higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and compromise of other systems of the body. The cardio system and hormonal system are all affected as the infection flows into the bloodstream.

Todays dentist, using the ORAL DNA TEST specifically alerts a patient to having periodontal disease. The test evaluates 11 different bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Then the bacteria that the patient has can be specifically targeted. It is a simple swish/saliva test that takes about 5 minutes. As soon as the lab results return, the dentist and the patient know exactly which bacteria are causing the problem and whether they are at a high risk level. If its above a certain threshold, it can be treated with specific medications and Laser Periodontal Therapy (with no shots and drilling).

Keep in mind that decay is a bacterial infection and it does not go away -- it just keeps eating away at the tooth. Coming to your very importantmaintenance appointment allows the dentist to detect any decay earlybefore it becomes a bigger and more costly problem.

With all the new technologies here, and on the horizon, the time for procrastination is past. So, the next time you think about putting that dental appointment off, remember the vital role your dentist plays in your plan to stay healthy and keep smiling for many years to come.

Editors note: This article was submitted by the Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry. For additional information they can be reached at 719-593-0263

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