You probably know that you should brush and floss regularly, and see a dentist for dental exams and cleanings. But it’s not just about keeping your mouth healthy and preventing cavities; oral health is linked to overall body health and can help prevent or lessen the impact of systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and more. Periodontist Sasha Ross, MD, MS, explains why quality dental care is so important and how it impacts the rest of your body.
Oral health is often overlooked, with some people not thinking about it as they go about their daily lives or assuming that a few cavities here and there are no big deal. But the reality is that dental issues can quickly escalate into larger health concerns, and good oral hygiene practices are key to avoiding those problems.
In addition, a healthy smile is associated with better mental health and is linked to educational achievement and career success. But despite the importance of oral health, many patients struggle to maintain regular dental care because of financial and logistical barriers. For example, a recent study found that only 30% of Millennials have seen a dentist in the past year, and some report that cost and a lack of insurance are the primary factors.
However, the good news is that quality dentistry doesn’t have to be expensive. The latest technology enables dentists to provide their patients with superior quality at lower costs, thanks to advancements in digital X-rays, impressions, scanning and prosthetic materials. In addition, more comfortable and minimally invasive solutions can help reduce the amount of time that patients spend in the dentist’s chair.
Quality dentistry also depends on the patient’s commitment to practicing good oral health habits. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, patients should eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, minimize their use of tobacco and limit their intake of sugary foods. Patients who make these health habits a priority will not only improve their dental health, but will also reduce their risk of exacerbated symptoms from systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Several studies have revealed that patient satisfaction is strongly influenced by the quality of service delivery. A number of attributes that are essential to providing high-quality healthcare have been identified, including transparency, empathy and courtesy. The underlying philosophy behind quality improvement is that all stakeholders (patients, practitioners and managers) share the responsibility for defining and implementing the fundamental principles of quality to achieve the desired outcomes for patients. To achieve this goal, an iterative process is required that involves planning, executing, measuring, interpreting and evaluating results. When searching for a dentist, ask plenty of questions and request before and after pictures of their work. An experienced dentist in Northbrook will be happy to provide this and will be able to answer them with clarity and confidence.