When you think about your health, your teeth and gums might not be the first things that come to mind, but maybe they should be. Oral health problems affect millions of people in the United States each year.
In fact, they’re among the most common health issues we face — and because of gaps in insurance coverage, many people are unable to get the care they need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that each year, over $45 billion in U.S. productivity is lost due to untreated dental disease.
That’s a problem we’re taking steps to solve here at Cempa Community Care. Our mission as an organization is to provide our community with access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. That includes dental care.
Through the Cempa Dental Clinic, we offer dental services to those in our community who do not have dental insurance or who otherwise can’t afford to pay for dental care. These services range from cleanings and basic checkups to fillings and minor oral surgery, provided under the expertise of Brittany Patmon, DMD, lead dentist.
The Impact of Dental Disease
When you’re young and learning about the body, you learn that your entire body is connected. That’s everything from your head to your toes — mouth included.
It can be surprising, then, to learn as an adult that health insurance often doesn’t include dental insurance. For most people, dental care is covered under a separate insurance plan or simply not covered at all.
Even for those who have dental insurance, the costs of care can be high and often keep them from getting the care they need. Because of that, millions of people in the United States go without regular dental care.
That lack of access takes a toll on our teeth. Many different conditions can affect the teeth and mouth, with cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss being most common.
When your mouth is painful, inflamed, or swollen because of an oral health condition, it can affect your ability to speak and eat. The problem is bigger than that, though. Those conditions not only affect the health of your mouth, but they also affect your overall health.
Infections in the mouth, including gum disease, can spread into other parts of your body. Those who have gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, dementia, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy complications.
That means that taking good care of your teeth and gums can help you take good care of your overall health.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Teeth & Gums
Many dental health issues can be prevented with good dental habits. It’s best to establish dental hygiene habits early in life, but if you haven’t already been practicing them, you can pick up these habits at any age:
Brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride, which reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Brush for two minutes at a time, breaking the mouth into four sections and devoting 30 seconds to each section of the mouth. Don’t forget to brush your teeth and gums.
Floss daily. While a toothbrush can remove plaque from the outer surfaces of your teeth, it can’t always get the plaque from in between the teeth. That’s where flossing comes into play. Use regular dental floss, floss picks, or a water flosser to get between your teeth and along the backs of them.
Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your gums, increasing the risk of developing gum disease. It also decreases the production of saliva, which can leave you with bacteria and food particles on your teeth and gums. Talk with a medical provider about tools and a plan to help you quit.
Eat a healthy diet. Many of the foods that are really good for your heart are also good for your teeth and gums in slightly different ways. Leafy greens are full of calcium and vitamin K, crunchy fruits and veggies help clean your teeth, and dairy products have tooth-strengthening calcium and phosphorus. Wash it all down with water, which also washes your teeth and gums.
Have regular dental checkups. Seeing a dentist or dental hygienist regularly can help spot any potential oral health issues before they become severe. Dental health providers are also pros at teeth cleaning, and these routine cleanings can help prevent future issues.
If you’ve avoided dental checkups because you can’t afford the cost of care, don’t let cost be a barrier to getting the dental services you need. Let Cempa help you protect your smile and your overall health.
The Cempa Dental Clinic offers “Compassionate Care for Every Smile” and is located at 1042 E. 3rd Street, Suite 100, in Chattanooga. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 423.203.1568.
