5 Reasons to See Us Regularly

We always encourage you to keep up with regularly scheduled appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands. But do you know why it’s so important? In this blog, we cover some of the top reasons seeing us at least twice a year is so crucial to your oral health.

1. Cavities. Regular cleanings and appointments are key to preventing serious problems that may be lurking. Plaque, that gross white stuff that you can sometimes see on your teeth, is the top cause of decay and, therefore, cavities. If left alone, the plaque eats away at enamel and forms cavities. Professional cleanings are really important to remove plaque buildup and protect smiles.

2. Keep Your Teeth. Not only can regular visits keep you healthy, they’re also really important if you want to keep your teeth. At your appointments, we look for gum disease, which is one of the major reasons adults lose their teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can weaken the bone that holds teeth in place. This can eventually cause teeth to fall out or loosen. If we catch gum disease early, it decreases the chance of this happening.

3. Save Your Money. Regular visits help catch any potential problems before they turn into big, expensive issues. Taking advantage of preventive care appointments can help keep cash in your wallet by helping avoid big ticket procedures.

4. Kissably Fresh Breath. While your at-home routine does help to keep bad breath germs away, professional cleanings get deep into the pockets and remove germs and bacteria below the gum line.

5. Overall Health. There is a strong connection between your oral health and your overall health. A healthy mouth typically means a healthier body, and there’s no better way to ensure you’re in tip-top shape than with regular cleanings. Regular cleanings may help lower risk for heart disease and stroke, and we can detect many other whole-body problems early at regular dental appointments.

If you’re due for a checkup or cleaning, call my dental office in The Woodlands. We’ll get you scheduled for an exam and cleaning, and check your entire mouth for any problems or potential ones. As always, we’ll also recommend that you return to see us in about six months.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and surrounding areas.

The Connection Between Heart and Mouth

Every February, we place a lof of focus on hearts. There’s heart candy, heart shaped boxes full of chocolate, and we’re all about making our significant others feel loved. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we like all the things that go along with spreading the love, especially the heart. This February, take a second to put your heart first and learn about the risks associated with heart disease and the heart-mouth connection.

February marks American Heart Month and is a time to learn the ways to keep your heart, mouth, and body healthy. While many know the typical risks involved with heart disease, like smoking, a poor diet, and lack of exercise, a little known correlation between heart health is oral health.

The Mouth-Heart Connection

One of the biggest mouth-heart connections is related to gum disease. In fact, research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) states that those with gum disease are at increased risk for a heart attack. Additionally, many systemic or whole body diseases first show signs in the mouth. Heart disease is one of them.

If you have known heart problems, it’s crucial to let us know about it as well as any medications you’re taking. As an important part of your complete health care team, we can work with you to improve your oral health and your overall health.

Signs of Gum Disease

Regular dental appointments with your dentist in The Woodlands are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and are the first line of defense when it comes to gum disease and, in turn, keeping your heart healthy, too. Some common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Consistently bad breath
• Chronic bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth

If you’re concerned about your risk for heart disease, or if any of the symptoms above relate to you, call my dental office in The Woodlands as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to determine your risks, diagnose any current issues, and put together an appropriate treatment plan to keep your mouth and your heart healthy.

Serving patients from The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and surrounding areas.