Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

Put your money where your mouth is, literally.  This year when your tax refund hits the bank account why not invest in your oral health to help maintain your overall health.  The average tax return is about $3,000.  So, before you plan a trip to the National Parks or a white, sandy beach, consider making a dental appointment with your favorite Albuquerque dentist, Dr. Abeyta.

But My Teeth are Fine!

Though regular dental visits help keep teeth and gums healthy, your dentist does much more than polish your pearly whites during an exam.

Did you know the mouth is loaded with bacteria?  It collects everywhere, including on the teeth, checks and gums. 

Typically, the body’s natural defenses and good oral practices, like daily brushing and flossing, will reduce the number of bacteria that build up in specific spots between the teeth and along the gumline. 

Unfortunately, no bacteria are beyond the control of proper tooth brushing and flossing.

Certain medications can reduce saliva flow.  Saliva serves many purposes. It contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food from the teeth and gums.

Sugars can cause the bacteria S. mutans to increase in number and secrete acids and other harmful products that attack your teeth’s enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Two types of bacteria, most frequently associated with periodontal disease, are Treponema Denticola and Porphyromonas Gingivalis.  These bad guys disrupt oral bacteria that normally exist in harmony with one another.  When enough of the bacteria sneaks in beneath the gum line, bone and connective tissue in and around the teeth begin to breakdown. 

So, if you are considering skipping a dental checkup because of cost, remember your tax refund.  If you are considering skipping a dental checkup because of time or dental anxiety, find a dentist who practices conscious sedation and/or same-day care.

Remember, dental care gets more expensive the longer you neglect a condition. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups will help maintain both your oral and overall health.

To learn more about Dr. Abeyta’s practice, costs and dental plans call today at (505) 293-7611.