5 Surprising Ways General Dentistry Impacts Your Overall Health?

General dentistry is one of the most emphasized areas of dentistry, yet it still needs more attention. Few people have understood or at least acknowledged the benefits of general dentistry in achieving and sustaining excellent oral health. It makes it rare to meet people who appreciate the role of general dentistry in bettering overall body health.

What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various oral health conditions. It is a specialty that features general dentists with training and experience to be the primary service providers for patients. Therefore, the first dental expert you will likely encounter when visiting a dental clinic like Advanced Dental of Westport, CT, is a general dentist.

Common Services in General Dentistry

General dentistry encompasses various diagnostic and treatment protocols for preventive and restorative care. The most common procedures and treatments in General Dentistry in Westport, CT, are:

Professional dental cleanings –

their medical term is prophylaxis. The cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar, diminishing stains, and destroying bacteria from the teeth surfaces. Dental Exam and Cleanings help prevent dental conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, usually when performed regularly.

Regular dental examinations –

General dentists near Fairfield, CT, perform comprehensive evaluations of the oral cavity, assessing teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues to identify signs of dental problems, infections, and diseases.

Dental fillings –

Dental Fillings are oral restorations that fix diseased and damaged teeth. Although dental fillings are popular for restoring decayed teeth, they can also repair cracked or broken teeth.

Dental sealants –

Dental Sealants are unique types of fillings featuring thin, protective coatings. These coatings are painted to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to fill the deep grooves and pits. As a result, the sealant becomes a barrier against bacteria and acids that damage teeth by causing cavities and tooth decay.

Fluoride treatments –

Comprise a natural mineral, otherwise found in foods, that builds and sustains strong teeth. Fluoride essentially makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks and promotes remineralization, especially when used in the correct concentration.

Tooth extractions –

General dentists in Norwalk usually perform tooth extractions when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, infected, or overcrowded. Besides such occurrences, a general dentist will seek to protect the structural integrity of a natural tooth, increasing its lifespan.

What Is the Impact of General Dentistry on Overall Health?

The benefits of general dentistry are more obvious for oral health than overall health. General dentistry goes a long way in maintaining a healthy mouth, particularly in fighting oral infections and addressing complications early to optimize functionality. However, you can benefit your body health with general dentistry in the following areas:

Disease detection:

During routine dental check-ups and examinations, dentists detect early signs of various diseases, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, respiratory infections, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

Spread of infections:

Did you know that oral bacteria can spread to the rest of your body? If you are yet to visit a general dentist in good time, bacteria in your gums and teeth can enter your heart, brain, and respiratory system through the blood vessels. General dentistry attends to your oral needs so that you will not suffer infections that threaten your overall health.

Building confidence:

For many patients, they can only know about their lack of confidence after visiting a general dentist. A general dentist will identify various oral flaws that have been a reason for insecurity. By suggesting various cosmetic procedures, a general dentist will influence your self-confidence.

Collaboration with other healthcare providers:

As general dentists are often the primary caregivers for your dental needs, they are more likely to be the first to identify signs of systemic conditions. For example, an oral problem you may be dealing with may be a sign of a deeper underlying issue connected to your body’s health. Therefore, general dentists often collaborate with other doctors and specialists for comprehensive care in managing various health problems.

Patient education:

A lot of the health problems you experience can be eliminated by knowing what to do and doing it. Fortunately, general dentists are responsible for providing information on proper hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices, all of which can impact your overall health. Such information empowers you to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to improve your overall well-being.

Take Home

General dentistry is vital for establishing and sustaining good oral health, among other bodily benefits like detecting systemic diseases and preventing infections. If ever you want to take charge of your health, aside from eating healthily and moving your body, prioritize the practices emphasized in general dentistry.