Charleston, SC dentist explains why dental care is very important for good health
Everyone knows that a beautiful smile makes a person look healthy and youthful, but many people are not aware of the importance of regular visits to the dentist to keep both their smile and their overall body free from disease. Below, Dr. Andrew Greenberg, dentist at Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA in Charleston, SC, explains why dental care is very important for good health and overall wellbeing.
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Your oral health affects not only your smile, but also the health of your entire body. Studies have linked oral health issues with several serious health issues that can have many negative effects on your life and even shorten your lifespan. For example, gum disease has been associated with a higher risk of:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Breast cancer
- Preterm labor in pregnant women
By having a regular dentist that you trust to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, you are more likely to keep your smile beautiful and disease-free for your lifetime and possibly avoid major health issues that affect your quality of life.
My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes! Even if you have great oral hygiene and do not feel any pain in your mouth, it is important to see a dentist every six months to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined. A professional cleaning gets rid of decay- and disease-causing plaque and tartar that is impossible to remove by brushing alone. Additionally, a dentist can see issues in your teeth with x-rays and a visual examination that may not be causing pain yet but are beginning to develop. This is the optimal time to treat these types of issues, because treatment is easier, faster, and less costly. By waiting until you feel pain to see the dentist, you are setting yourself up for longer treatment times in the dental chair, more money out of your wallet, and greater possibility of complications such as gum recession or tooth loss.
What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?
Having a dentist you can trust to provide not only high-quality care, but also treatment recommendations that are in your best interest is of the utmost importance. At Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA, we strive to make every patient feel comfortable from the moment they walk in the office and provide ethical care using the latest technologies to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results. A conveniently located dental office will also make it easier for you logistically to get to your appointments from work or home.
How can I take care of my teeth?
There are a few steps that everyone should take each day to keep their smile healthy and disease-free.
- Brush your teeth after every meal, or at least two times per day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- When brushing, make sure you are using the proper brushing technique; we can demonstrate this to you at your check-up if you have any questions
- Floss or use another type of interdental cleaner to remove food debris, sugars, and bacteria from between your teeth
- If desired, use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate any germs that brushing and flossing do not get rid of
- Maintain a healthy diet that favors crunchy fruits and vegetables over sugary and starchy foods like candies, sodas, and breads
How often should I see the dentist?
Patients with healthy teeth and gums should see the dentist every six months. By maintaining a twice-yearly check-up routine, you can take advantage of the professional cleaning for a fresher, whiter smile and we can monitor your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or disease. If you have dental issues such as gum disease, Dr. Greenberg may recommend that you visit the office more frequently so that your teeth and gums can be kept free from disease-causing plaque and your gum health can be more closely monitored.
Schedule your visit today
If you are due for a dental cleaning and check-up, don’t hesitate to call us at Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA to schedule your appointment today! We provide non-judgmental, compassionate care and are happy to see new and existing patients no matter how long it has been since their last dental visit. Our Charleston, SC office can be reached at (843)751 4262.
Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
