Your mother was right...
You do need to take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist. But there's more to it than even your mom knew.
Today we know even more about how the health of your mouth affects the overall health of your body and your quality of life. Left untreated or with the wrong treatment, poor oral health can lead, at the very least, to bad breath. Bad breath = well, we don't have to tell you....
I had no idea...
Poor oral health can also lead to more serious consequences. In fact, some pretty nasty stuff. Bacteria can cause gingivitis which can lead to gum disease. Bacteria can also enter your blood stream, with the result being health problems including increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you end up with gum disease, you can lose teeth. Missing teeth can cause your bite to become misaligned. An improper or misaligned bite may lead to jaw, head and neck pain, also referred to as TMJ.
Pay the price
If you think you are saving money by not going to the dentist, you might want to think again. Not going to the dentist can be expensive, if you have to start paying later for periodontal laser treatment for gum disease or implants to replace missing teeth for pain relief from a misaligned bite.
You get the picture...and it's not pretty...
It's your life. You exercise, try to eat properly, take good care of your body. You also need to take care of your teeth. Or pay the price...which could be with your wallet and your health.
Dr. Westman, Racine dentist, is not just another 'tooth mechanic' -- he works with his patients to achieve excellent oral health; he takes the time to educate them about what is needed to achieve it. Read what some of them have to say...
