
Dec
Los Angeles is known for its dedication to fitness. From freerunners to tahini fanatics, you don’t have to look very far to find people who are extremely proactive when it comes to maintaining a regimen of rigorous exercise and healthy eating.
But, it could all be for naught if you don’t take care of the gateway to your body – your mouth. You need to be as committed to brushing, flossing, and seeking professional teeth cleaning services as you are to your daily workout.
Over the past decade, more and more researchers have taken a keen interest in the connection between the health of our mouths and the health of our bodies. While many studies are still inconclusive, there is mounting evidence that the bacteria building up on your teeth from the foods you eat could be a risk factor for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
The bacteria in your mouth can make your gums prone to infection. The resulting inflammation may lead to gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a severe condition in which the chemicals produced by infection eat away at the gums and bone supporting your teeth.
This is alarming when you consider the following statistics from the American Dental Association: nearly a third of Americans brush their teeth only half as much as they should, and 20 percent never floss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36 percent of Americans ages 18-64 did not visit a dentist last year.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I brush. I floss. I rarely have cavities. Do I really need to have my teeth cleaned every six months?” If so, consider these three reasons why you shouldn’t brush off regular dental cleanings.
If you’ve been lax when it comes to regular teeth cleanings, make them a priority today. Be proactive about protecting the gateway to your body. Call Downtown Dental at [phone_no]. Dr. Don Mungcal and his responsive staff can typically schedule a visit for a new patient within a week or less.