How preventative dental care can help in lowering your overall healthcare costs
Taking care of the smile at home includes brushing and flossing the teeth after each meal. Dental habits at home have a dramatic impact on the health of the smile. Because conditions such as periodontal disease can cause inflammation throughout the body, it can be an indicator—or cause—of other health issues, including heart disease and increased risks of strokes. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that impacts the gums, bone, and teeth. This bacteria can be carried through the bloodstream and increase a patient’s risk of inflammation and infection elsewhere. Periodontal disease is a condition that can be avoided with proper oral health habits, including routine dental visits, to catch signs of this condition early on and seek effective treatment before it becomes worse.
Patients who visit the dentist regularly are often more likely to maintain routine visits to their doctors for physicals and bloodwork. This may also play a role in the reduction of overall health costs associated with routine and preventive care.
Why is preventative care important?
The primary reason patients should be prudent about routine dental visits is to improve preventative care, which in turn reduces one’s risk of developing problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. These routine visits can help a dentist provide a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment early on, avoiding costly dental work and the increased risk of changes to one’s overall health and wellness.
Are you overdue for a routine dental visit?
If you live in the Albuquerque, NM community and are in need of a dental evaluation, it is time for you to book a consultation visit with Dr. Steven E. Holbrook and his team to achieve a healthier smile—and healthier body! Call (505) 881-1159 to request an appointment at the practice, conveniently located in the community in Suite C at 8228 Louisiana Boulevard, NE.
