Protecting Those Pearly Whites: Why Skipping the Dentist Is a Bad Idea for Your Health

We’re sure you’ve heard “Brush your teeth!” many times while growing up.  Parents are always encouraging their little ones to brush after meals and before bed, and we spend countless dollars on fun character toothbrushes, specially flavored toothpaste, and rainbow colored floss (and don’t even MENTION orthodonture) to make sure that our kids have a magazine-worthy smile.

However, how much attention have you been paying to your mouth lately?  Are you careful to keep up with your semi-annual or annual dental checkups and cleanings, or do you tend to skip since they “really aren’t that big of a deal” for grownups?  You’d be surprised at how many adults either forgo going to the dentist altogether, or only go when they have a problem.

What if we told you that skipping those dental visits and routine cleanings could end up costing you your health?  Yep, your teeth and mouth are actually very important parts of your overall physical health, and you might be putting yourself at risk if you aren’t taking the proper measures to protect them.

So, what can your teeth tell you about your health, and why is skipping the dentist so risky?

You (and Your Teeth) Are What You Eat

Your teeth can give a dentist an important insight into any dietary deficiencies you might be dealing with.  Each time you get a cleaning, your dentist is also looking at the strength and health of your teeth, gums, and mouth tissue, and issues with those can point to what you are lacking in vitamins and/or minerals.

Sending Out Signals

Your teeth and mouth can give important clues to what’s going on inside your body.  Health issues such as diabetes, certain cancers, etc. can present themselves through symptoms that might show up in your mouth first.  Again, having a routine visit to a dentist means you are far more likely to have these clues caught early, which could mean the difference in your heath.

Dangerous Doorway

Your teeth, gums, and mouth can turn harmful to your health if you do not take measures to keep them healthy. Think of them as a doorway into your body.  Letting infection from cavities, gum disease, etc. go unchecked can be very dangerous, eventually getting into your blood stream and requiring hospital care.  It can even be fatal in extreme cases.  In these cases, lives could have been saved by simply keeping up with dental visits.

We understand that times are hard, and many people feel that they can’t afford dental care. However, dental insurance can be made affordable, and some general healthcare plans even allow for a certain amount of dental coverage.  If you need help navigating dental insurance and how to pay for dental care, or if you have questions about a general health insurance policy, give us a call! We can walk you through what is available in your budget and can provide the coverage you need. Carroll Marshall insurance is happy to take care of the greater Winter Haven community with personalized service and top- quality insurance plans.

Smile, because you know you’re covered with Carroll Marshall Insurance!