
Feb
Oral care is the foundation of our dental practice in Fort Worth, TX. Professional cleanings at Sycamore Dental and consistent hygiene at home, brushing and flossing, support oral health. However, proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth also supports your overall well-being, quality of life, and systemic health. Here, Dr. Vidya Suri answers some of your most-asked questions about why oral care is important.
Generally, brushing at least two times each day and flossing daily prevents plaque build-up. Our hygienists are happy to show you how to brush and floss effectively. Also, scheduling cleanings by our hygienists at least once every six months removes bacteria and plaque that your brush can’t reach. Their specialized tools remove hardened plaque (tartar) that can’t be removed with regular toothbrushes.
Yes! Often, conditions such as gum disease don’t produce pain until after they have progressed and caused irreparable damage. During check-ups, we will examine your teeth for “hidden” signs of decay and other oral conditions. Identifying and treating these conditions early prevents pain and tooth loss. We’ll also check for abnormalities that might indicate the presence of oral cancers. These cancers have a high rate of successful treatment when detected and addressed early.
Your mouth supports the health and comfort of every aspect of your life. Think of how pain interferes with your ability to eat food. Nutritional needs go unmet. A toothache can also affect your sleep and your performance at work or school. By detecting, resolving, and preventing conditions during check-ups, your quality of life doesn’t suffer.
During regular visits, we’ll ask you about changes to your overall health. This is important because the oral cavity is part of your entire “system” or body. Conditions such as diabetes can make you more susceptible to oral infections. In fact, gum disease is the most common comorbidity among diabetic patients. Additionally, hundreds of medications to treat diseases are associated with dry mouth. A lack of salivary flow can put you at increased risk of tooth decay.
Your dream smile awaits! Dial(817) 438-1828
Researchers have found links between oral conditions and systemic conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The link among these conditions appears to be the mouth bacteria and resulting inflammation. It’s thought that harmful pathogens can enter the blood vessels in the heart and other organs by way of the bloodstream.
A healthy mouth is so much more than “just” a beautiful smile. Call to schedule your first or next appointment at Sycamore Dental. Many preventive services may be 100% covered by your insurance, and we accept many plans, including Medicaid.
Happy Patients, Bright Smiles