Your genetics play a huge part in your appearance. There are some things you can control with diet and exercise, others with cosmetic surgery. If your smile isn’t what you’d like it to be, you can alter it by trying a different toothpaste or using whitening strips. Sometimes though, you’ll need to take that extra step to find a specialist to help you.

The Difference

Most people know they should see their dentist twice yearly for check-ups – even if they don’t go. Your dentist is like your regular family doctor. He or she is a general practitioner for your mouth. Responsible for cleanings, fluoride treatments, basic tooth extractions and reminding you to brush and floss, your dentist is who you see to maintain the general health of your mouth. If anything more complicated is required, you’ll need to check out an Orthodontist Florence.

If you have dental insurance, you may also have coverage for orthodontia. Not all insurance plans require a referral for orthodontist visits, but your dentist can certainly give you one if you’d like. Many insurance plans cover non-elective orthodontia. Be sure to check your policy. As most people aren’t born with perfectly straight teeth, most orthodontia can be termed necessary.

Field Specialists

An orthodontist receives all the training a dentist does and then goes on to learn more about special situations which can affect the health of your mouth. Sometimes as we grow, our bones don’t develop at the same rate. This could result in crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw. Overbites and underbites are common jaw disorders called malocclusions. Treatment for malocclusions can include dental surgery not limited to pulling teeth, braces, retainers and palate expanders.

Like your family practitioner, trips to the dentist are recommended as a regular habit for us to form. Trips to the orthodontist aren’t like that. Like seeing a surgeon or other specialist, orthodontists are there for you to see when you have a problem that requires their knowledge. Once the problem is resolved, you no longer need to visit your orthodontist.

Widespread Effects

Many people are unaware of the fact that your dental health affects other parts of your body. It makes sense. Your body is a series of connected systems. That’s why acupressure or acupuncture in one body part can affect a different location. Your mouth’s health has been linked to other crucial body parts. If you fail to brush and floss, you’re risking heart disease. Sounds crazy, but it’s true. Brushing and flossing reduce the number of harmful bacterias in your mouth. If left unchecked, that bacteria can infiltrate your bloodstream and cause your arteries to harden and/or build up plaque deposits. This can lead to heart problems not limited to heart attacks.

You put your brain at risk by failing to brush and floss, too. Gingivitis can attack your brain cells and nerves once it’s in your bloodstream. This could lead to dementia. Some studies even link it to Alzheimer’s disease. Even if you don’t develop one of these insidious diseases, the gingivitis in your bloodstream can at least cause memory loss if it kills off your brain cells.

People trying to get pregnant should definitely practice good oral hygiene. Men who’ve developed periodontic disease put themselves at risk for erectile dysfunction. Women who have gum disease can experience reduced fertility due to how it leads to other health issues. Once pregnant, hormonal changes in a woman’s body can lead to increased production of bacteria. Good oral hygiene can guard against complications that can result in low birth weight or premature birth.

Brushing and flossing make your breath smell good, but regular dental check-ups and a consultation with an orthodontist can help your smile be the best it can be.

Are you taking good care of your smile?

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