Since childhood, we’ve heard that we need to brush twice a day, floss daily, and see our dentist every six months. Have you ever considered why these routines are so important? Taking care of our teeth matters not just for our oral well-being, but for our systemic health, as well. A bacteria-ridden mouth leads to gum disease, which research links to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Visiting your dentist twice a year, per ADA recommendations, eliminates excessive bacteria and plaque buildup for good reason. In this article, Milford cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner explains why six-month checkups matter.
How Your Dentist Helps
Regular brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth clean, but your toothbrush alone can’t completely clean teeth. Plaque, a film created by bacteria in the mouth, builds up on teeth naturally. In as little as 26 hours, plaque mineralizes onto teeth and makes cleaning hard-to-reach spots between teeth more difficult. Only dental professionals can eliminate tartar, or calculus, from teeth. Leaving tartar alone encourages bacteria to breed and infect gums, causing gum disease. These same bacteria produce acid that de-mineralize tooth enamel and cause cavities. Simply visiting your dentist can alleviate a number of dental problems.
Preventive Care
Estimates from the CDC indicate that more than 90% of American adults over 40 have tooth decay to some degree. Keeping your appointments with your dentist does more than save your teeth, however. Studies link the bacteria that cause plaque buildup to larger health issues, like heart disease, which increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. The same bacteria that produce plaque on teeth are believed to contribute to the kind of plaque found on brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Seeing your dentist for six-month checkups will not only save your teeth, it may also help you live longer by preventing health problems.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Milford Dentist
When did you last see your dentist? Call our 06460 family dentistry office at (203) 878-6699 to schedule a cleaning and checkup. We welcome patients from Milford, Orange, Woodmont, West Haven and all neighboring communities.