Skipping Dental Visits and your Oral Health

With these tough economic times, delaying dental treatment might sound like a way to cut back on spending. But in fact, avoiding dental treatment could lead to oral health problems that require more expensive and complex procedures down the road. For example, by skipping regular checkups and cleanings you could find yourself in need of a root canal or tooth extractions. It’s important to remember the saying that dentists have preached for a long time, “You can pay a little now, or pay a lot later.”

Our team at the office Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk encourage you to read this recent article from the St. Petersburg Times that discusses the topic of skipping dental visits and how they can prove to be costly in more detail.

Are you paying proper attention to your oral health? From Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk know how important it is that you maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months. Recently, our team came across this great article from Dr. Oz that discusses new research correlations that have been found between proper oral health, the health of your heart, and more.

Even when you are brushing and flossing teeth regularly, it is inevitable that plaque will build up on the surface of your teeth. However, at first, this plaque can be easily removed with a toothbrush. When you wait a day, or weeks, to brush your teeth, plaque begins to harden and may only be removed by your dentist.

If this plaque and tarter isn’t removed, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, which is a much more serious disease. Periodontal disease affects not only your mouth, but also the overall health of your body. According to research, “the onslaught of bacteria, immune cells and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and other cytokines, may directly or indirectly influence or injure tissue to cause or worsen some common chronic diseases.”

There are many conditions that have been linked to periodontal disease, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Although there is not enough research to prove any definite cause and effect between these conditions and your oral health, it is important to be aware that good oral care is an overall good habit.

That’s why Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk encourage all of our patients to brush, floss, and visit our office regularly. It is important that you pay proper attention to your oral health, so as to avoid more serious health issues down the road. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

The importance of regular checkups, from Drs. Lelchuk, Ressler and Hirschl

Is your child brushing his/her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit either Drs. Lelchuk, Hirschl or Ressler every six months—in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Lelchuk, Hirschl or Ressler can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth.

During an oral exam Drs. Lelchuk, Hirschl or Ressler will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been seen in our office in the last six months, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!