Nobody likes going to the dentist. There are those of us who don’t like it more than others, without a doubt, but we can all agree that nobody’s idea of a good time involves lying back in that imposing chair and having someone look into your mouth. Yet it is something that we need to go through, because the health of your teeth is important in its own right. It is also potentially an indicator for your general health, in ways you may already know and others that you might not. The following points are worth knowing, whether you’re due a checkup or just want to feel as good as you can.

Your teeth and your heart are connected

So, this isn’t a weird quirk of anatomy – you didn’t doze off in the biology lesson that dealt with the tooth-heart connection. The truth is that signs of poor heart health can be noticed in the mouth often before they are identified further down. Bacteria in your mouth can easily enter the bloodstream; the mucous membrane in the mouth is one of the quickest pathways to the circulatory system, which is why some medication is left to dissolve in the mouth. Signs of bacteria in your mouth can be early warning signs for serious conditions like endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. If you notice pain or inflammation in the gums, step up your oral health regime.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just cosmetic

There is a general acceptance that there are two kinds of dentistry, the conventional and the cosmetic. Root canal work is in the first group, while dental implants are in the second. However, the dividing line is not as clear as some people assume. Work that is done in the goal of improving your smile, such as implants, can also be important in shutting off cavities which can affect your health far beyond your mouth. Polishing and whitening allow the teeth to become stronger, which benefits a more varied and healthy diet. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t about vanity; it really does make a difference to overall health.

Bad breath doesn’t always mean bad teeth

It’s understandable to be conscious of your breath, and this is a major reason why many people take extra efforts to up their oral health game. However, it is possible to have a strict tooth brushing regime and take extra efforts like flossing, and still have issues with your breath. Dentists are often the first people to notice a fruity smell from a patient’s breath, which can be a sign of diabetes or a diet regime that has gone too far. They may also perceive a fishy smell which is often one of the first signs of kidney or organ failure. Dentists are trained to notice these things, and they’ll tell you if there’s a concern.

You may not like going to the dentist, but it is certainly worth keeping regular appointments even if your own oral health regime is perfectly strong.