Are you dedicating 2020 to work on your overall wellbeing and health? Your dentist in Las Cruces provides thorough routine checkups and cleanings that don’t just keep your smile looking fantastic, but they also reduce your risk of developing other medical and health problems, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even heart disease. Read on for five reasons why scheduling an appointment with your dentist today is the best way to start your new year off right.
Detect Oral Cancer
You may not have noticed, but each time you visit your dentist in Las Cruces for a checkup and cleaning, they also perform an oral cancer screening. With a short and thorough examination of your mouth, lips, throat, and oral tissues, their goal is to detect this life-threatening disease early on before it becomes harder to treat. If they spot any symptoms, including an abnormality in the oral tissues, loose teeth, voice changes, or red and white patches in the gums, tongue, tonsil, or mouth lining, they may recommend you for further testing to stop the problem in its track.
Reduce Your Risk of Medical Conditions
Over the last decade, researchers have established a strong connection between gum disease and an increased risk of several medical conditions. They found that the same oral bacteria that cause gum inflammation, which is an early sign of gum disease, can spread to other parts of the body via the blood stream. This results in an increased risk of serious illnesses including strokes, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s, and many more.
Diagnose and Treat Gum Disease Early
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, affecting one out of every two adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, this condition can cause permanent damage to your mouth, resulting in declining oral health. That’s why your dentist thoroughly examines your gums each time you visit them for a checkup and cleaning. If they spot early symptoms of the disease, they’ll develop a treatment plan to tackle the issue before it gets worse.
Keep Bad Oral Habits Under Control
Bad oral habits like smoking and nail-biting can have a drastic impact on your oral health. Your dentist in Las Cruces may be the first person that lets you know how your habits are impacting the wellbeing of your teeth and gums. For many people, this is the motivation they need to quit to preserve their smile.
Find Hidden Problems With Dental X-rays
Your dentist routinely takes dental X-rays which allow them to examine the area below your gums, including your jawbone. This allows them to diagnose serious problems such as cysts, tumors, and infections. Because these aren’t visible to the naked eye, they often go unnoticed until your dentist spots them using advanced technology.
The new year is a great time to recommit your time to taking care of your body. While starting with your teeth and gums seems like a small goal, it can have a huge impact on your health. So, if it has been longer than six months since you last visited your dentist for a checkup and cleaning, be sure to schedule your appointment today!
About the Author
Dr. Natalie Ortiz strives to provide every patient that walks through her doors with high-quality and thorough preventive dental care to improve their wellbeing. She has attended countless continuing education courses after completing dental school and has mastered CEREC technology and become certified in Invisalign. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning to celebrate the new year, visit Painted Skies Dental Center’s website or call 575-521-8720.