The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups*

When the dentist looks in your mouth, he or she is not only looking for the signs of tooth decay and gum disease, but also for signs of systemic diseases- as your mouth is often a good indicator of your overall health.  There are several conditions that can be detected in an oral exam, such as:

• Precancerous and cancerous lesions
• Diabetes
• Blocked salivary glands
• HIV/AIDS

In addition, there is growing evidence of links between periodontal disease (gum disease) and heart disease, some respiratory diseases and low-birth weight babies.  To maintain your general health, it is important to maintain your oral health!

Beyond the connection to your general health, regular dental care is essential to preventing more complicated dental problems from developing.  Good oral hygiene practices, that includes daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year, is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful for a lifetime.

Click here to read more on how to correctly brush and floss.

* California Dental Association