Seven Diseases that Affect Your Mouth
During a routine dental exam, your dentist can help detect more than 120 health conditions, making regular dental visits essential to having good oral and overall health. Because your oral health is closely connected to your overall health, certain diseases might leave your teeth and gums with unexpected symptoms. Take a look at some of the effects common systemic diseases may have on your mouth. Diabetes The primary condition associated with diabetes is gum disease or periodontitis. Roughly a third of all those with diabetes have a severe form of gum disease 1 that can damage supporting bone structures around teeth, increasing the likelihood of loose teeth or tooth loss. Diabetes may also lead to oral thrush and dry mouth.2 Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth that causes small white bumps to develop,3 and dry mouth is a lack of saliva that can lead to bad breath, tooth […]
Start the year with a great smile and use your dental benefits
Having dental benefits contributes to better oral and overall health. Research shows that people with dental coverage are more likely to go to the dentist. Schedule your next dental appointment and start 2019 with a healthy smile and body. Here’s why you should visit your dentist regularly and how you can maximize your dental benefits in the new year. Getting Preventive Dental Care Avoids More Costly Treatment Regular preventive care allows the dentist to spot and treat oral health issues early, helping you avoid costly and serious dental problems in the future. Plus, most dental plans cover preventive dental care, such as cleanings, exams and X-rays, at little or no cost to you. Oral and Overall Health are Linked Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies show that gum disease is linked to numerous health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. In fact, more than 120 […]
How nutrition benefits oral health
While many people know that avoiding sugar is good for teeth, many do not realize that getting the right nutrients and vitamins is also essential for good oral health. Here are five nutrients that benefit both your smile and body as well as ways to incorporate them into your and your family’s diet. Calcium Calcium is critical to the structure of teeth and bones. Calcium is also the most abundant mineral in the body and required by the body’s vascular and muscular systems to function properly. When you do not consume enough calcium, your body uses the calcium stored in your teeth and bones, weakening their structure.1 Getting enough calcium in your diet keeps teeth and bones strong. Healthy foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli and Chinese cabbage. Magnesium Magnesium is another nutrient used in the development of strong teeth and bones. It helps the body […]
What to Expect at the Dentist: Fillings, Crowns and Root Canals
During a regular dental visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth checking your teeth and gums for dental risks and issues like tooth decay. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay.1 If your dentist uncovers any decay, he or she will bring those concerns to your attention during your appointment. Some dental issues may require you to schedule another appointment to fully treat the decay and reduce the chance for more serious dental problems in the future. Three common dental procedures your dentist might recommend if they uncover dental decay include: fillings, crowns and root canals. Read below to learn more about these procedures and what to expect. Fillings A filling is a procedure that helps to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. A dentist will remove all of […]
Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Oral Health
Helping your child develop good oral health habits not only benefits their smile, but is also vital to their overall well-being. Cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. If a cavity, or other oral health issue, remains untreated, it can cause discomfort and affect common tasks like eating, speaking and even learning in school. Teaching your child how to properly care for their teeth as well as visiting the dentist regularly ensures that your child keeps their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We’ve put together a list of ten common questions asked about children’s oral health. 1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth? You can start good oral health habits from birth. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze after feedings. Once teeth emerge, you can use an infant tooth brush and a tiny amount (a smear the size of […]
