Ignoring that toothache that you’ve had for months isn’t a good idea. Just like skipping the doctor because of a mysterious lump, not going to the dentist because you have dental anxiety isn’t going to make things any better.

In fact, a missed dental appointment, even if it is just six months, can cause serious problems for your oral and overall health.

Why Regular Checkups Matter

According to BridgeMill Dentistry regular dental checkups that include comprehensive oral cancer screenings help your dentist and doctor detect anything that looks suspicious. In most cases it is impossible for you to see any issues with your mouth.

Unless you notice a lump, bump, patch or unusual red or white blotches inside of your mouth you probably won’t see a thing. However, it isn’t just cancer you need to think about during your annual or bi annual dental checkup.

Skipped dental appointments mean tooth decay gets worse and so does gum disease. If you follow this dental blog you will know that there is a direct connection between oral and overall health. That connection seems to be gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease.

Oral Health Matters to Overall Health

Your Canton dentist explains that your body and mouth are connected. Think of it this way, everything you eat goes into your body and so does the bacteria and food particles you leave behind in your teeth and gums.

If you are less than enthusiastic about oral hygiene those left over food particles will convert to plaque. Plaque converts to tartar which can only be removed by a dentist in Canton.

Researchers believe that the plaque and tartar from your mouth goes into your blood stream attaching itself to your blood vessels and the arteries in your heart. If this happens you are in the high risk category for stroke and heart attack.

Some scientists believe that there is a very strong connection between diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and periodontitis as well.

Dental Anxiety and Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry helps patients with mild to severe dental anxiety relax. This is especially important if you have had bad dental experiences in the past. If you can’t stand someone standing over you it’s great. Sedation is also good if you are having multiple dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry helps prevent dental issues, such as small cavities and gingivitis, become worse progressing to a filling and dental crown and/or root canal therapy.

BridgeMill Dentistry cannot stress the importance of regular dental checkups.  Stop stressing from dental anxiety and schedule a dental checkup in Canton. You will be glad you did.