Skipping out on making that appointment for your dental hygiene visit? If you think that the worst that will happen is fuzzy teeth then you need to continue reading. There are several health benefits that go along with your regular dental visit that might surprise you.

Most of us go to the dentist at least once a year. A survey by the Centers for Disease control found that 71% of women had their teeth cleaned in 2008. That still leaves about 30% of women not getting regular care and women typically do more preventive care than men so I don’t even want to guess at the number for the guys!

Here’s the healthcare that you are missing out on by not making those dental hygiene appointments:

• Oral cancer screening is a part of every appointment. We look for discolorations, swollen or ulcerated areas or anything out of the ordinary. Early diagnosis and treatment equals very high cure rates.
• Heart disease is not caused by gum disease but the two are closely linked. A study from Berkeley found that women who got dental care reduced their risk of heart disease by one-third.
• Nutritional problems often show up in the mouth. For example, a pale colored tongue can be a sign of an iron deficiency.
• Diabetes and gum health are closely related. Having diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and having gum disease makes it harder to control your blood sugar. Your dentist should be an integral part of your healthcare team when it comes to fighting diabetes.

Remember that for almost all of the things that can go wrong with your dental health early detection means an easier, and less expensive treatment. If dental anxiety or fear is making you skip preventative care then sedation dentistry might be the answer. Ask us how sedation dentistry can help you.

Please contact Dr. Mark Levy at StoneRidge Dental Care in Columbus, OH today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next dental hygiene appointment. Your oral health and overall health are important, don’t delay.