Summer is almost here, meaning barbecue, camping, and, of course, the Greeley Stampede. Although many of us have already begun making plans this season, a lot of us might just be hoping for something simple: a clean bill of health. Perhaps that means you’ve stopped smoking, cut out sugar, gone to the gym, or made a habit of walking a mile daily. Regardless, in order to be healthy, it’s important to understand the whole picture, and our mouths play a big part in our overall health.
So even if you haven’t had the opportunity to start a healthy habit, something as simple as a dental visit can go a long way in becoming that healthy, happy person you want to be this summer.
Do You Suffer from Anxiety?
Our teeth have natural ridges, indentations, and places of wear a dentist can spot. If it seems as if one side has more wear than another side, this could be a sign of bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism is often the result of stress or anxiety, and usually happens in our sleep. If left untreated, it can slowly wear down your teeth. This can cause pain and set you up for more reconstructive dentistry. If you suffer from bruxism, you may be more anxious than you realize. In which case, anxiety management should become a priority.
Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Attack, and Cancer
Gum disease or periodontal disease refers to an infection of the gum tissue around your teeth. If left untreated, this infection can lead to bone loss and, more importantly, can significantly impact your health by increasing your chances of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer. If you’ve noticed blood when brushing or flossing, this is an early sign of gum disease, and you should schedule a check up immediately. Other symptoms include:
- Red or puffy looking gums
- Gum tenderness
- More food getting stuck in teeth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Gum disease is very common, affecting about half of all adults in the US. It’s also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. So it’s important to get your gums checked out if you notice signs of disease.
Unbalanced Diet
Cavities don’t happen for no reason. They are caused by an imbalance of bacteria inside your mouth. Frequently indulging in foods high in starch or sugar feeds a specific kind of bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. If on your next dental visit, your dentist finds cavities, this could be a sign to cut down on simple sugars and stick to whole grains and veggies.
The American Dental Association recommends your visit the dentist at least twice a year. Not only does this protect your mouth, it protects your body as well. Dentist can perform an oral cancer screening, and spot problems before they become major complications. It also give you the opportunity to reconsider your overall health, and make changes that will have you feeling healthy and happy.
If it’s been awhile since your last dental examination, schedule an appointment soon!
If you suspect you have gum disease or other oral problems in Greeley, we can help. Please call (970) 353-4329 today for an appointment at Greeley Dental Health.