THE IMPORTANCE OF A DENTAL CHECK UP AND YOUR HEALTH

Most people are unaware of the true importance of a dental check up appointment, they assume the only purpose of the appointment is “to clean ones teeth”.
My dental check up appointments routinely include the following:
...an oral cancer screening where all the soft tissues of the mouth are    evaluated.
...a periodontal screening to determine oral health.
...evaluation for dental caries, broken and/or leaking restorations.
...evaluation of dentition for TMJ...clenching or bruxing behavior.
...yearly diagnostic radiographs to help diagnose periodontal disease, caries, lesions in the bone, localized infections in the bone.
...update of patient’s medical history.
...thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces and gingiva.
...education on proper home care of dentition; review of brushing, flossing, use of other aids, fluoride rinses, anti-bacterial rinses.
...referrals to allied health care providers, when appropriate; such as physicians, osteopaths, acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists, etc.
...nutrition information, when appropriate; providing a list of resources on the subject.
...education on the use of essential oils, when appropriate; to help augment dental health, anxiety control, and much more.

MORE AND MORE RESEARCH LINKS POOR PERIODONTAL HEALTH WITH AN INCREASED RISK IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEART DISEASE. THIS REASON ALONE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO MOTIVATE INDIVIDUALS TO KEEP UP WITH REGULARLY SCHEDULED DENTAL CHECK UPS!!!!!!
ORAL CANCER IS ANOTHER CONDITION THAT CAN EASILY GO UNDIAGNOSED WITHOUT A ROUTINE CHECK UP!

Most individuals require a thorough dental check up every six months.  Some individuals may require a dental check up every three or four months.  There are a lucky few that can get away with a check up once a year.
I strongly believe that dentists can act as “gatekeepers” to help patients navigate their general health, not only their oral health. 
As a result of my training in Integrative Therapy, I have become passionate about educating my patients about this important information....but this cannot happen without a collaboration between doctor and patient.
This collaboration begins when YOU make a commitment to your health by keeping up with regularly scheduled dental check up appointments.

To schedule your next check up appointment, please call 301-986-0700 or email us at info@nadinasmiles.com

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!