Why Going to the Dentist Is About More Than Your Teeth

As a military spouse, my family’s health is a top priority. It’s why I spend so much time meal planning and prepping. It’s why I buy fruit instead of Oreos (most of the time) and why I find myself scheduling medical appointments all the time.

Since my kids were little, they’ve had annual appointments with their primary care manager. As soon as they were old enough to see a dentist, I took them twice a year. Now that they’re teenagers, I go to fewer appointments, but they still go regularly.

Military families already spend plenty of time keeping track of appointments, medications, moves and everything else that comes with military life. Dental care can easily become one more thing that gets pushed down the list.

Just as you worry about whether your family is eating enough vegetables, you should also pay attention to their oral health. Dental care is more than just having a nice smile.

Your Mouth Is Part of Your Health

Dental care is health care, not just something people do to make their teeth look nice. Going to the dentist can help prevent and treat problems like cavities, gum disease and infections before they become more serious. Your mouth is part of your body, so taking care of your teeth and gums is just as important as taking care of the rest of your health.

Pregnancy is a good example of how changes happening throughout the body can also affect oral health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and increase the risk of problems such as inflammation and gum disease, showing why dental care should be considered part of overall health care.

Problems in your mouth can also be connected to your overall health. Inflammation and infections, especially from gum disease, have been associated with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This does not necessarily mean poor oral health directly causes these conditions, but it does show a connection between oral health and overall wellness. Because of this, caring for your teeth should be part of caring for your whole body.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Gum disease may start with something as simple as bleeding when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can make your gums red, swollen and tender. If ignored, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Eventually, it can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Diabetes and gum disease can also create a difficult cycle. When blood sugar is hard to control, people with diabetes may be more likely to develop severe gum disease. At the same time, severe gum disease may make managing blood sugar even harder. In other words, what is happening in your mouth can affect more than just your teeth, which is another reason regular dental care is so important.

Your Heart Is Connected to Your Oral Health

Your mouth and your heart may have more in common than you think. Research has found an association between gum disease, tooth loss and cardiovascular problems, which means these conditions are seen together more often than might be expected. However, remember that an association does not prove gum disease causes heart disease. Researchers are still studying exactly how oral health and heart health are connected, but the relationship is another reason not to ignore bleeding gums, tooth loss or other dental problems.

For veterans who already have cardiovascular risk factors, keeping both medical and dental providers informed can be an important part of overall health care. It’s also a good idea to keep your medical provider informed about significant dental problems, especially if you are managing other chronic health conditions. Taking care of your heart and your mouth doesn’t have to be two separate parts of your health routine. Just try to keep both providers in the loop.

Menopause and Oral Health

Most women probably know all about common issues related to perimenopause and menopause like hot flashes, sleep troubles, and mood swings. But what many women might not know is how menopause affects oral health. That’s right, menopause can cause symptoms like dry mouth, gum recession, and tooth loss or decay. So make sure to talk to your dentist if you’re experiencing these issues, and keep up with preventive care, like extra cleanings to avoid “menopause mouth.”

Why Veterans Should Get Regular Oral Care

Dental care is especially important for veterans because oral health is an important part of overall health and quality of life. Problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, infections and tooth loss can cause pain and make it difficult to eat, speak and feel confident.

For veterans managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, oral health can be another important piece of the overall health picture. Regular dental care can help prevent these issues or catch them early, making it easier to maintain oral health and overall well-being.

Bleeding or swollen gums, persistent dry mouth, loose teeth, or tooth pain and sensitivity can all signal an oral health problem. Also watch for mouth sores that do not heal, changes in your tongue, gums or the lining of your mouth and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Noticing these changes and seeking dental care when needed can help identify and treat problems before they become more serious.

Veterans may also face several factors that can increase their risk of dental problems. Tobacco and smokeless-tobacco use can negatively affect the teeth and gums, while some medications can cause dry mouth, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.

In addition, veterans may experience interruptions in dental care during moves, transitions or separation from service. Some may also delay treatment because they are unsure about their dental coverage. These challenges can make regular dental care even more important to veterans’ overall health.

Don’t Assume You Don’t Have Dental Benefits

Dental benefits through the VA are not the same for every veteran, and eligibility depends on factors such as service history, disability status and individual circumstances. Some veterans may qualify for comprehensive dental care, while others may qualify for more limited services. Veterans who are not eligible for VA dental care may have other options, including purchasing dental coverage through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), depending on their eligibility.

The important thing is not to wait until you have a toothache to figure out what your coverage includes. Take a few minutes to check your eligibility and understand your options before a dental problem becomes urgent.

What to Do Next

Establishing a routine for preventive dental care and checking your dental benefits before a problem becomes urgent can help you avoid waiting until you are in pain to seek treatment.

While going to the dentist may not be your favorite way to pass the time, the benefits outweigh the downside. I’ve managed to keep my family happy about going to the dentist by finding an office that is warm, welcoming and has TVs for them to watch.

At the end of the day, caring for your teeth and gums is about more than having a healthy-looking smile. It’s one more way to support your overall health and well-being. Your mouth is part of your body, after all, so don’t leave it out of your health care routine.