Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining one's
overall health. It is generally
appreciated within the dental and medical community that poor oral health can
be linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth
weight, and premature births. The presence of oral problems is usually the
first warning signs of some of these general health issues. This consensus among the various healthcare
providers has risen to level that the U.S. Surgeon General has issued policy
statements on oral health as a strong indicator of overall health and
well-being (CDC, 2006).
Brushing and flossing have risen in importance as your
key ‘between visits’ maintenance
tools. In addition, using the proper
products for home care such as an electric toothbrush and ADA approved
toothpastes and washes are equally important.
Without consistent care, several general as well as oral health problems
may result or be exacerbated. For all
ages, you should consult with your dental care provider about using supplemental
fluoride; especially if your water is not fluoridated or the majority of your
water consumption is through bottled water.
In areas without fluoride in the water the rate of tooth decay and other
health issues is much higher.
While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your
health, there is only so much that brushing and flossing can do. Your average patient can easily overlook
conditions that could greatly complicate or even end one's life. Thus, visiting your dentist for regular
checkups is a vital part of your overall health care. "Routine dental exams uncover problems
that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal"
(American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).
Since gum disease is acknowledged as a major risk factor for heart
disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist
can help prevent and treat these potential diseases. By treating conditions early and learning
from your dentist how to prevent oral health issues, you can achieve better overall
health and ultimately better the quality of your life.
Your dental care is an important
aspect of your general health care. So
you need to make sure you find a dentist that is right for you and your family.
This can be a difficult process. Look
for someone who’s competent and you feel comfortable with, one you can have a
collaborative relationship with. This is important because there are conditions
and problems that were not discussed in this article that the dentist will need
to pay attention to during your regular checkups. Hopefully after reading this
article, you will have a heightened understanding of the basic need for good
oral health. If you have
additional questions or concerns feel free to contact us.
Dr. Scheinfeld
is an Emory University School of Dentistry trained prosthodontist treating
patients in the Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek,
Alpharetta, Vinings and Buckhead areas of Metro Atlanta. Of the 170,000 dentists in the U.S., less
than 2% are prosthodontist.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
resource information provided by:
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved
February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm
Oral health in
America: Summary of the surgeon general's report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved
February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm
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