There are a number of positives to visiting the dentist in Rickmansworth that include benefits to the mouth as well as the body and mind. Most people are aware of the obvious benefits, such as keeping teeth and gums healthy and their smiles happy but are often surprised to hear that the dentist in Rickmansworth has an important role to play in overall well-being.
Traditionally speaking, dental care has been all about treating dental problems as they arise, but much has changed in modern times. Dental experts have found that there are preventive measures that can be put in place to prevent dental problems from occurring at all. All it takes is that routine dental check-up with our dentist in Rickmansworth at Berry Lane Dental.
Research studies have also found that dental diseases do not only affect what happens in the mouth but can also threaten life-sustaining systems in the body. In this post, we take a look at the different ways poor oral health can affect the mouth, body and mind.
The impact of dental disease on the mouth
Bad bacteria present in the mouth are responsible for a whole host of dental problems, from bad breath to tooth loss and gum disease. Both dental health and function are adversely affected when the presence of bad bacteria spirals out of control.
Dental diseases can lead to tooth loss, which often means difficulties in biting, chewing, speaking and loss of confidence when smiling. More often than not, problems in the mouth are accompanied by pain and discomfort that can result in lost productivity at work and quality time with family and friends.
Minor problems left untreated do not sort themselves out; they just continue to grow in complexity until they can’t be ignored anymore. This is why dentists continue to call for routine dental check-ups – so that minor problems can be tackled easily and quickly.
The impact of dental disease on the physical body
Medical researchers have uncovered links between dental disease and certain medical conditions that can be potentially life-threatening. In their research studies, they have found that bad bacteria responsible for causing disease in the mouth can present themselves in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. What was established is that patients with advanced stages of gum disease are at an increased risk of illnesses such as pneumonia, strokes and heart attacks.
The impact of dental disease on mental health
It may seem hard to believe at first, but dental diseases can affect mental health too. Once again, bad bacteria in the mouth have been associated with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The loss of a smile impacted by poor oral health can also get in the way of living a good quality of life. A smile ruined by gaps in teeth due to tooth loss or gum disease can quickly erode your confidence levels, making it difficult to get hired, promoted or enjoy a healthy social life. Patients should know that one of the best things they can do to protect their health and well-being is to visit a dentist every six months. Why not schedule yours today at Berry Lane Dental?