Some things are never worth delaying – especially your regular oral hygiene appointments. It’s so important that instead of semi-yearly exams, we often times recommend recall visits every three or four months for some patients.
Here are three key truths from the Surgeon General’s Report that explain how much is at stake…
1) Oral diseases affect health and well-being throughout life. Caries, gum disease, and bite issues, if allowed to progress, can create chronic pain, affect breathing, limit your ability to speak or eat a healthful diet, and damage your appearance and self-confidence.
2) General health-risk factors also affect oral health. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis are three examples of illnesses that suppress the immune system. Hormonal disruptions during adolescence, pregnancy, and mid-life can increase your vulnerability to oral health challenges, as can lifestyle choices and your family medical and dental history.
3) The mouth is the gateway to the body. The mouth provides us with a window to your general and oral health status. Prevention of oral and systemic diseases is possible for everyone and early intervention can make all the difference.
The Surgeon General says that “you cannot be healthy without oral health,” so please don’t be tempted to stretch your recall schedule. Dr. Freund and his staff are always available to help you schedule a convenient appointment.
