A person who has had limited or no dental health care throughout their life may also end up with diseases such as gingivitis as well as severe cavities and rotting teeth. While the teeth may affect their appearance, gum diseases can lead to complications and other health care concerns.

Plaque is made up of colonies of bacteria and poor oral hygiene allows the bacteria to grow and infect other parts of the body. It is also a major contributor to bad breath.

While bad breath is often attributed to poor dental health, it is not the only cause. Food, such as onions, is digested and put into the blood stream. As the blood returns to the lungs to be re-oxygenated, it puts the odor of the food back into the lungs where it is released as bad breath.

This also happens to others such as smokers and no amount of brushing, flossing or scraping of the tongue will eliminate this source of bad breath.

Oral Hygiene Is Big Business

Taking care of the teeth is so important to most people that they spend over $3 billion dollars a year on dental health products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and tongue scrapers as well as breath mints and gum.

While many will spend hundreds of dollars on dental health products, they shy away from a trip to the dentists and have a feeling of pain before they even enter the dentist’s office.

In part, dentists may be to blame for some of the reluctance of people to seek professional help with their dental health. Previously, many dentists were judgmental in their approach with patients, which made them feel even more uncomfortable than the actual work being done. Today’s non-judgmental approach to dentistry is having a positive effect on good dental health.

Recent studies have also concluded that poor dental hygiene can be a contributing factor to ischemic stroke, one of the most common types of stroke in the United States. The plaque buildup can cause release of plaque which can settle into small blood vessels more common in the brain.

[Cav's Tip: If the high cost of dental care is preventing you from seeing your dentist, then Click here to enter your Zip Code and find out how to save at least 50% on your next Dental Bill.

As a preventative measure, twice a year you should schedule an appointment for a routine check-up. During this visit, the dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay and other potential dental issues. That way, if problems are discovered, the dentist can take measures before those problems become worse.

During your check-up your teeth will get a deep cleaning and the dentist will use a special tool to remove tartar build-up. Your teeth will also get a polishing and an extra strength fluoride treatment. The dentist might also take a few x-rays.

If you’ve never been to the dentist before or if you are visiting a new dentist for the first time, the dentist likely will perform a comprehensive dental exam. Such an examination is a good way for the dentist to get to know you, your overall state of health and the particulars of your dental health.

During this visit, a thorough examination will take place. The dentist will take a set of full mouth x-rays. These will stay on file and will also help identify abnormalities. In addition to a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth the dentist will look closely at your gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth. Redness or puffiness might indicate gum disease.

The dentist will also look at your face, neck and chin for swelling and other abnormalities. He or she will also feel your saliva glands and lymph nodes for the same purpose. You’ll be asked to open and close your mouth and to move it from one side to another.

The reason for this is to make sure the temporomandibular joint is properly gliding your jaw as you move your mouth. The dentist will check your bite to ensure your teeth are in proper alignment.

The dentist will also want to know about any prescription medications you currently are taking. Either bring your bottles along or write everything down, including the dosage so your dentist can record this in your file. The dentist also will want to make note of any illnesses or diseases you have as some will have an impact on your teeth.

After either type of appointment, the dentist or dental hygienist will discuss with you ways you can improve your dental hygiene routine. He or she will also discuss any further treatments deemed necessary as a result of the examination.

[Cav's Tip: If the high cost of dental care is preventing you from seeing your dentist, then Click Here to enter your zip code and find out how to save at least 50% on your next Dental Bill.