Women have had a lot on their minds the beginning of COVID-19, bearing the brunt of the pandemic demands. If you put off your annual checkup, now is the time to set that appointment.
Few people look forward to a professional tooth cleaning, but neglecting regular visits can result in problems that cause severe pain and distress.
If you were awaiting vaccines, you have no more excuses. Here are eight reasons women should go to the dentist.
1. To Review Your Homework
You might brush and floss daily, but be honest — everyone is human. You might occasionally tumble into bed without brushing your teeth. However, your pre-slumber cleanse is the most important one for protecting against cavities arising from plaque and bacteria buildup. Your mouth produces less saliva when you sleep to wash it away.
Plus, who couldn’t use a refresher course on proper techniques? Your dentist can review things like how to floss and go over alternatives.
For example, if inflammatory diseases like arthritis make manipulating the string with your hands challenging, they can recommend a water flosser or show you how to get the most out of floss on a stick.
2. To Protect the Unborn
Are you expecting a little one? If so, please book an appointment with your dentist without delay. While you can probably think of more entertaining ways to celebrate that plus sign on your pregnancy test, perhaps no other action is as vital. Pregnancy creates changes in your mouth that increase your gingivitis and periodontal disease risk.
You should pay extra attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy. Oral bacteria transmits through blood and amniotic fluid, putting your child at risk of premature delivery or low birth weight.
Please inform your provider about your condition — they will steer you clear of any procedures that should wait until after delivery.
3. To Prevent Heart Disease
Women run a lower heart disease risk than men, but don’t let that fact reassure you too much. It remains the number one killer of both genders — but doctors don’t always recognize the signs of cardiovascular disease in women. When it comes to your ticker, prevention is the best cure.
Multiple studies indicate an association between poor oral hygiene and higher rates of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Researchers theorize that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease also travel through blood vessels, causing inflammation.
Furthermore, insufficient dental care often affects those with poor diet and exercise habits or who lack access due to inadequate insurance coverage.
4. To Stave Off Alzheimers
If Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family, please consider booking a dental appointment as soon as possible. A recent large study performed by the National Institutes on Aging revealed a link between the condition and related dementias and the bacteria associated with gum disease.
Bacteria and the resulting inflammation from gum disease travel to the brain — and they don’t have far to go. Among those 65 and older, both Alzheimer’s disease and death were associated with P. Gingivalis, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.
5. To Enjoy a Healthier Diet
People with poor oral hygiene often have other health problems that could stem from the fact that sore gums and broken teeth make eating problematic.
If you can’t chew comfortably, you might gravitate to soft foods like white bread and french fries, neither of which offer much in terms of nutrition.
Some people with poor teeth have to resort to liquid diets if they can’t afford to correct the issue with dentures or implants. It’s better to prevent the problem than feel deprived later. Seeking routine care can fix smaller issues before they become larger, pricier ones.
6. To Ease Headaches
Do you sometimes wake up with a headache? If the condition corresponds with an achy jaw or chipped teeth, you might grind your teeth in your sleep.
Tooth grinding or bruxism can result in broken teeth and significant pain.
However, your dentist can help you ease the ache. They’ll fit you with a specialty mouthguard that you can wear at night to prevent damage. They’ll also coach you through exercises that can help your jaw relax.
7. To Prevent Bad Breath
You might not notice when you have dragon breath — but the people around you will. This condition often results from food particles trapped in teeth that allow bacteria to proliferate.
Your bad breath could also stem from dry mouth, which increases your cavity risk. If so, your dentist can recommend fluoride treatments that help protect your teeth against decay.
8. To Enjoy a Healthier Smile for Life
Dentures and dental implants can cost a pretty penny. Most people would prefer to keep their natural teeth as long as possible.
Longer lifespans mean you need to do more to protect your pearly whites for life.
Seeing your dentist for your 6-month checkup lets you address and treat cavities before they get deep enough to affect the root, requiring a painful extraction and eventual replacement.
Women Should Go to the Dentist for These 8 Reasons
If you had too much on your plate these past few months to take care of your oral health, please prioritize it now. Women should go to the dentist for the eight reasons above.
