Your dentist’s top priority is to make sure your smile stays healthy. However, another part of their job is to help you feel confident in the way your smile looks. If your teeth aren’t as bright or well-aligned as you would like them to be, your cosmetic dentist in Pepper Pike offers several treatment options to fix that. Sometimes, though, the dentist might say you need to get your cavities or other oral health problems addressed beforehand. Why is this the case? Read on as we discuss why it’s crucial to have a healthy mouth before getting cosmetic dental work.
The Importance of Good Oral Health
Since the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, oral health is directly correlated to overall health. For instance, infections in your mouth can contribute to general health problems. Gum disease in particular has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and several other medical conditions.
To keep your mouth and body healthy, it’s important to develop good dental hygiene habits. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily, as well as seeing your dentist for twice-a-year checkups, can not only keep you healthy, but it can make the results of your cosmetic work last much longer.
How Oral Health Issues Compromise Your Cosmetic Results
Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common issues your dentist must treat before you can undergo cosmetic treatment. Left untreated, they can both negatively influence your results.
Getting veneers placed, for example, requires that your dentist shave off a layer of enamel so there is enough room for the veneers. Enamel shields the inside of your tooth, where the nerves lie, from decay. Having an untreated cavity when you get your teeth prepped for veneers makes it easier for the decay to reach the tooth’s center. Not only can this be incredibly painful, but you might need a root canal to treat it.
Gum disease also affects cosmetic work. It causes bacteria to build up along your gumline, weakening the structures that support your teeth. Eventually, your teeth can completely detach from your jaw, and you’ll need a lot more than a simple cosmetic procedure to treat that.
To ensure the results of your cosmetic work last as long as possible, you’ll need a healthy mouth to support them. Before talking to your dentist about veneers or teeth whitening, schedule a checkup with them. This can set the foundation for a beautiful smile that lasts!
About the Author
Dr. Vladimir Pastouk is a general and cosmetic dentist in Pepper Pike, OH who obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Advanced Standing Program at the College of Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. As a sustained member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he is able to provide a variety of treatments to beautify your smile. To learn how you can make your teeth healthier in preparation for cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Pastouk at (216) 292-3600.