The relation between oral diseases and potentially life threatening conditions is quite well-known. Bad oral health can result in long-term health issues that can be potentially fatal. For instance, cavities and gum diseases may contribute to serious health conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, and even clogged arteries and stroke; untreated cavities may become extremely painful and may lead to serious infections. Pregnant women with oral infections have up to seven times greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby than those with normal oral health.
Maintaining good dental health is thus far more than a way to have a beautiful smile; it can be a window to one’s overall health. More and more people are thus visiting family dentists on a regular basis for spotting any oral problems, and thus also preventing any other health conditions. A family dentist is one who performs comprehensive dental procedures for each member of the family, including children. These include cleanings, normal checkups, tooth fillings, and some simple cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening, crowns, bridges and veneers.