Austin Dentistry and Wellbeing. Austin Dental Blog.

Sometimes it seems that we will faithfully change the oil in our cars on a regular basis while putting off routine dental care for ourselves. . . unless we run into a speed bump such as a toothache. Pain is a powerful motivator, and a lot of us depend on emergencies or roadblocks like that to persuade us to change the road we’re on. But maintenance of your dental health can be one of the most important routines you can establish! Whether you are old or young, good dental care can even become the deciding factor in maintaining quality of life – or life itself. It’s not just a matter of filling cavities!

Probably the most widespread and insidious cause of dental health-related problems is gum disease. Studies indicate that 3 out of 4 adults will develop it in their lifetimes, and if you’re a man with gum disease, you’ll run twice the risk of a heart attack and three times the risk of a stroke. There is a strong connection between gum disease and diabetes; if gum disease is under control, most diabetics see an improvement in their overall health. Ladies, hormonal changes affect gum disease, especially if you are pregnant, and it can complicate pregnancy in a variety of ways. The development of rheumatoid arthritis may be aggravated by gum disease. And for those of us over 40, studies link gum disease with dementia. Who needs all that?

Don’t forget, each time a patient comes in for a procedure, Dr. Gotun always checks for any suspicious signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms because it so often goes undetected until it is advanced. It is becoming more common than some of the more well-publicized forms of cancer. Early signs are often subtle: most patients don’t even know they have it. It is not hard to diagnose, yet the survival rate is low just because it is often found so late. Smokers or those who chew tobacco run a special risk, but everyone diagnosed with human papilloma virus (HPV) should be checked on a regular basis, too. Any sore spot in your mouth that does not heal within 14 days should be seen, and we are here to help you if you need an appointment. Learn more about oral cancer…

Are you putting off getting those recommended fillings because you half-humorously tell yourself “I can always get dentures”? Do you like food you have to chew? Dentures are a good solution for severe problems, but they only provide about 10% of the chewing capacity of your own teeth. So if you like a good, chewy slice of ciabatta or you are a steak lover, plan to keep your own teeth!

In other words, the next time you look at that little sticker on the windshield and think it’s about time to schedule another oil change, let that be a reminder to take care of yourself as well. After all, you are more important than the car. Call for an appointment: we’ll be glad to “take a look under the hood” and keep you on the best route to good health!

Dr. Gotun and Staff.