Oral health is of paramount importance according to all dentists. Yet, according to one practitioner only half of USA citizens actually visit their dentist regularly.
However perhaps what’s worse is that of those that do get regular checkups a large percentage don’t listen to dental advice.
These and other remarks were recently made by Dr. Sulkowski who runs a practice in Cannonsburg, USA. He was recently interviewed and asked for tips he could pass on to readers. He told the interviewer: “Dentistry is far ahead of medicine in terms of preventive health.”
Dr. Sulkowski added: “Brushing, flossing and regular dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential preventive measures that help us avoid problems like decalcifications that cause cavities and if not treated in time, can lead to root canals. The mouth has so many nooks and crannies; good oral hygiene is key.”
This is just part of the story though according to the dentist. It is now realised that ensuring good oral health is also related to ensuring good overall health. There are many gum diseases which have a direct connection with heart problems and other general disorders.
As such Dr. Sulkowski is an advocate of not just regular check ups but also having the gums and teeth examined properly using X-Rays. He said: “If we detect a problem, our goal is to treat it while it is a simple fix. A cavity is a much easier treatment than a root canal.”
He advises having an annual X-Ray to ensure there is no decay occurring between teeth, something not easily spotted during a normal examination. But this advice may be too much for oncologists who know that over use of X-Rays is dangerous in itself.
Having proper checkups are also vital for another reason – to ensure that what is eaten can be chewed properly. Dr. Sulkowski said: “… More and more research has confirmed that good teeth are the basis for good health, as strong teeth are more easily able to chew the foods that will keep us healthy, such as fruits and vegetables.
“People who lack a full complement of teeth begin to lose functionality because they cannot eat a full range of foods. They begin to rely on soft or pureed foods that are not as healthy as other foods that require strong, healthy teeth to chew.”
In the USA though, while many Americans are probably more than willing to visit their dentist regularly, the major problem is cost. Along with medical insurance, dentistry practices rely on patients getting dental insurance.
That said it is also very easy to develop the habit of not going to see the dentist. After all, regular check ups tend to be annual, and so it is easy to forget to make that appointment.
