Crescent Lodge Dental – Why Is Oral Health So Important?

When was the last time a dentist examined your mouth? Be honest! National Smile Month announced that letting routine dental checkups slide is not rare. 25% of adults confessed to not having visited the dentist for a number of years, yet an oral examination can tell your dentist, or your doctor, a lot about the state of your health. You might also find it interesting to learn, that poor oral health can have grave consequences for your general health. If you’re in Southwest London, you’re welcome to join the Crescent Lodge Dental practice.

It’s important to get rid of plaque

Plaque is a bacterial film that covers your teeth and left unchecked can cause gum disease, tooth decay and worse. In its more advanced stages, gum disease caused by unremoved plaque has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and low-birth-weight babies, amongst other things.

The bacteria in the mouth is thought to cause inflammation, which can then lead to blood clots and blocked arteries; a very serious health condition that can threaten your very existence. This can possibly be avoided by having simple regular check-ups with your dentist!

Of course, we are talking about an extreme case of plaque build-up here, when we speak about heart disease, but there are plenty of more treatable, but very frustrating conditions, that can arise from letting plaque deposits build up. Here are a few of the most common:

– Bad breath: Do people turn away from you when you speak? Do you suspect you have bad breath, but you’re not sure? Why not test yourself. Floss your teeth and sniff the floss once you’ve removed it from your mouth. This should give you an indication of how your mouth smells.

– Gingivitis: This is an infection that will turn into gum disease if not treated.

– Trench mouth: This is what gingivitis turns into and is a very severe form of infection. It’s uncomfortable and painful.

– Bleeding gums: If your gums are bleeding because you have the beginnings of gum disease and you’re taking no corrective action, any infection you contract will find it easy to get into your bloodstream and move around your body making you feel worse than before.

How can I avoid serious dental issues and unnecessary mouth pain?

Plaque can be removed during a routine scale and polish. Tartar, which is what plaque turns into when it hardens, can be loosened by the vibrating tool used in a scale and polish. Even if you brush your teeth very well, floss and use mouthwash regularly, you’re still well advised to visit your dentist at least a couple of times a year. Plaque builds up along the gumline and once it moves below the gumline, it is hard to see and remove. Your dentist can do the job efficiently for you.

Here at the Crescent Lodge Dental practice in Southwest London, our expert team of dentists and hygienists will routinely remove your plaque. This will help you look forward to a future free from serious dental problems. If this sounds appealing, why not join our practice? Our reception team will be able to advise you on how you can register with us and book an initial consultation. Please get in touch.

Contact Our Dentists in Clapham Today!