A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
showed that 99.7 percent of Americans believe that one’s smile is
an important social asset, but did you know that it’s also a key
link to our overall health? Regular brushing and flossing aren’t
just recommended to help you keep your pearly whites.
A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that 99.7 percent of Americans believe that one’s smile is an important social asset, but did you know that it’s also a key link to our overall health? Regular brushing and flossing aren’t just recommended to help you keep your pearly whites. Doing these activities on a consistent basis reduces your risk of periodontal disease, which can effect everything from diabetes to cancer.
Periodontal disease, an infection that kills the connective tissue holding teeth in place, is painless until its advanced stages. Most people don’t realize that they have it, making the disease the No. 1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss regularly as well as see the dentist every six months. Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of Americans are without a general dentist, according to studies by the American Dental Academy. Picking one out of the many listed in the phone book may seem daunting (the Gilroy-Hollister Superpages has 14 dentists alone), but the right one for you is out there. The first step in finding a dentist you’re comfortable with is to consult with people you know, according to Dr. Joseph Perno, vice president of the Academy of General Dentistry.
“The best way to find a dentist is to ask around,” Perno said. “Friends or coworkers are going to refer someone (a dentist) with whom they are comfortable, happy and trust.”
Don’t set up an immediate appointment if you’re even slightly uncomfortable. Instead, schedule a consultation where you will be able to discuss treatment options and plans with potential dentists. Remember to ask pertinent questions about insurance coverage, billing procedures and payment plans as well as inquiring about techniques.
Like most medical fields, dentistry is an ever-changing one. The idea of questioning a doctor’s credentials may be frightening, but as a layperson it can be the best option you have. Ask your potential dentist whether he is a member of any dental societies such as the Academy of General Dentistry or the American Dental Association. Members of these groups are required to complete at least 75 hours of continued education every three years, so ask about some of the more recent courses your prospective treatment provider has enrolled in.
Start small. Don’t opt for any sort of serious dental work right away. Instead try a tooth cleaning, and remember to ask yourself some of the following questions, provided by the Academy of General Dentists, about the office’s staff:
nAre they thorough in administrating the procedures and treatments?
nIs the staff devoted to quality care?
nDo you think the staff is personable?
nDid they spend enough time with you and answer all your questions?
nDo they make you feel important?
nAre they accommodating to your schedule?
Not all general dentists treat children, so you might also wish to inquire about their feelings on that as well, as most kids should begin seeing a dentist six months after their first teeth turn up. Prior to a child’s first visit, call the dentist and discuss what will take place during the time in their office.
Explain as much as possible to your child and try to make sure that you make it sound like an exciting prospect rather than something scary and medical. Building a healthy dentist-patient relationship early in life will help them to feel more comfortable seeing a dentist as an adult.
With proper dental care, recent studies show, you may have a better chance at beating cancer, be able to better control diabetes and be able to keep your teeth for life. To reduce the risk of life-threatening infections, strokes, heart attacks and heart disease patients should consult their physician to see if antibiotics are recommended before dental treatment begins.
Melania Zaharopoulos is a staff writer for South Valley Newspapers. She was formerly a writer for Southern California Physician magazine.
Resources
For more information on dental health visit these Web sites:
American Dental
Association
www.ADA.org
Academy of
General Dentistry
www.AGD.org
American Academy
of Periodontology
www.Perio.org
Parental Resources
www.ParentsPlace.com
Cancer/Chemotherapy Resources
www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov
Diabetes Resources
www.diabetes.ca
