Q&A: How to Properly Care for your Dental Health

Your Dental Health is our Top Priority! 

Dr. Hans Sperling recently answered some questions on how to properly care for your dental health!  We hope you find the answers informative and useful.

Q. Why is it necessary to have dental check-ups regularly?
A. Your mouth is part of your body. If it isn’t healthy, you aren’t totally healthy either. Take charge of your dental health with regular visits to experience many benefits, which include:

• Prevention of cavities and gum disease. This can be as simple as a cleaning or fluoride treatment. 
• Identify early signs of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Your dentist can make dietary or early treatment recommendations that are far more affordable when spotted early.
• Spot warning signs of tooth erosion. Today, many people consume sports and energy drinks or soda, which have the potential to cause dissolution of the enamel. Your dentist can see early signs and can help — sometimes by just prescribing a different toothpaste.
• Oral cancer prevention. This type of cancer has been linked to the HPV virus and is becoming more prevalent. By using specialized diagnostic tools and equipment available today, your dentist can help recognize early warning signs and changes in the oral issues. 

We all know that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Recognizing and treating any disease early is much better and more affordable.

Q. Can dental problems affect my overall health?
A. Absolutely. Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about preventing cavities or bad breath. The
mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs and symptoms of disease that affects the entire body, such as diabetes and others. These signs can only be detected early if you’re keeping up with regular dental visits. The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may be connected with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).
One recent study in the Journal of the American Dental Association shows a correlation between receipt of dental care and lower diabetes-specific hospital admissions and emergency department visits.

Q. How often should I see my dentist?
A. Twice a year is sufficient for most people, including a set of bitewing x-rays taken once a year. However, your dentist can determine a plan based on factors specific to your individual health, as some people need more or less frequency and/ or diagnostic exams.

We hope this information has been useful. Please visit our website at www.dentalcenterofhollywood.com for more information.