What a dental exam can reveal about your overall health

Your dental checkup is about more than just teeth and gums. It’s a check of the health of your entire mouth. In fact, a comprehensive oral exam gives dental professionals an even bigger picture.

To find out why a sparkling-clean smile isn’t the only benefit of a checkup, we spoke with Dr. Krystal Hakkaart and Certified Dental Assistant Valerie Suraci of Elevate Dental.

“I think it’s important for more people to know that the mouth and the body are connected,” explained Valerie. “And what’s going on in your mouth is a reflection of what’s going on in our gut and with our heart.”

Inflammation is a major player in the role of chronic disease, auto-immune conditions, and degenerative diseases. Early detection and reduction of inflammation is key for optimal health and longevity. It’s art and science that create healthy beautiful smiles, but an awareness of the connection and impact that the mouth and body have contributes to total health.

“Not only is your whole body affected by your mouth, but your mouth is affected by your whole body,” explained Dr. Hakkaart. “Most people don’t realize that the same plaque that’s on your teeth, is pretty much the same plaque that’s in your arteries.”

Your checkup at Elevate Dental includes:

• a detailed conversation with your dentist,
• a comprehensive exam assessing the condition of your oral health,
• digital x-rays to detect any dental disease and decay,
• a visual screening of any possible airway obstructions, and
• a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist.

A professional recommendation is to schedule a cleaning with your dental hygienist every 3-6 months to reduce inflammation, bacteria, and biofilm. Valerie added, “We also recommend scheduling your dental exam with your dentist every 6 months as this supports early detection of dental disease and helps to identify and address any potential problems.”

Elevate Dental is on 48th Avenue in Vernon, across from the Village Green Mall.
elevateyoursmile.ca.

Bonus tip: Start kids young. Checkups for Elevate Dental’s littlest patients are specially designed to help set a positive tone for future dentist visits.