Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing your family flash bright smiles while all of you are having a good time. Cheerful smiles not only make you and your family good in front of others but can also boost self-esteem.
Your oral health has a lot to do with your well-being. The American Heart Association published a statement in 2012 supporting the association of gum disease and heart disease. The report states that scientific data do not indicate that flossing or treatment of gum disease will decrease the risks leading to heart attacks and stroke. But there are many studies that show an association between gum disease and several other serious health conditions including heart disease.
Thus, a clean and robust set of teeth is a must for every family member’s overall health.
Nevertheless, every family member, be it children, or an adult has a different set of dental and oral needs. Our family-friendly dentists at Vitarelli Dental in Saddle River, New Jersey understand what these distinct needs are, ensuring that everyone gets treatments and check-ups appropriate for their particular problem.
Routine Preventive Care for the Family
It’s worth emphasizing that prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your family’s oral health. In this regard, everyone needs to go to the dentist once every four months for routine preventive care.
Regular dental check-ups such as these ensure that potential problems are detected as early as possible so that preventive measures can be taken. That way, you can keep your family’s smiles sparkling, strong, and healthy. During a routine check-up, your dentist will:
- Inspect your teeth for signs of decay and demineralization to prevent tooth loss
- Perform an intensive mouth cleaning procedure known as “prophylaxis”
- Assess your children’s teeth and jaw development for healthy teeth and gums
- Check your teeth for possible crookening in their alignment
- Perform treatments needed to defend your teeth from problems that have been spotted
- Educate and advice you on daily oral hygiene practices
- Answer your questions about oral health in a language you understand
- Evaluate your risk for oral cancer and other dangerous oral health problems
Preventive visits are also more economical than going to the dentist after a problem has already occurred. You can avoid tooth extractions, tooth decay, bad breath, dry mouth, restoration surgeries, injections, and drugs – all of which are expensive, uncomfortable and a hassle.
Your Children and Their Dentist
Good oral health is especially necessary for newborn babies. It’s important to schedule their first visit to the dentist once they turn six months old. A baby’s teeth are more sensitive than that of an adult’s. Our Pediatric Dentistry services will help you understand preventive measures for the protection of your child’s delicate teeth and overall oral health.
Other potential problems can be detected and addressed, such as those related to your child’s tongue and teeth growth, which may affect their speech in the future. Thus, no age is too early when it comes to oral health and hygiene. Get the higher ground on cavities and complications by starting earlier rather than later.
There’s also a psychological reason why you should take your child to a dentist while they’re at an early age.
Visiting a dentist while your child is at the socializing stage helps them grow comfortable with the environment of the clinic as well as its processes. Regular dental visits become part of their normal routine. In the process, they will familiarize themselves with their dentist. This, in turn, prevents tears and anxiety from arising during later years as your baby grows into a toddler.
Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health
Oral health contributes to a variety of diseases and conditions, some of which may surprise you. Here are the diseases that are linked to oral health.
- Pneumonia. If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, certain bacteria left behind in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs which can lead to respiratory diseases like pneumonia. So it is very important to keep your oral health in check especially if you already have a cavity or any other oral health problem.
- Endocarditis. Did you know that the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves usually occurs when the bacteria from other parts of your body such as the inside of your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to areas of the heart?
- Birth complications. Studies have shown that periodontitis is linked to premature birth. In certain scenarios, it can also lead to low birth weight in the newborn baby.
- Cardiovascular disease. The connection between heart health and oral health isn’t fully understood yet, but there is significant research that suggests the two are linked. For example, research suggests that the bacteria inside your mouth can lead to infections and inflammation that are directly linked to clogged arteries and stroke.
Protect Your Oral Health, Protect Your Life
Good oral hygiene practices are just the start of protecting your teeth and gums, you’ll need to regularly visit the dentist to prevent the bigger problems. Schedule an appointment for your entire family with Vitarelli dental today and turn boring dental visits into family bonding time!
Our dentists provide valuable information for keeping oral health in check for the whole family. Make oral hygiene part of family culture and values by visiting our Saddle River or Madison, New Jersey dental clinics for a regular check-up. You can also apply for an appointment online.