Whether it is due to your lifestyle habits or your genes, some patients are more at risk for oral health problems than others. For a number of reasons, it is important to know if you are considered a high-risk patient. First you’ll need to practice more diligent oral hygiene habits at home and even visit your dentist for routine exams more frequently than the average patient. In fact, your dentist may want to see you three times a year or more if you are a high risk dental patient, instead of the recommended twice a year schedule.
Another reason it is important to know where you stand as far as your likelihood for dental problems is for your overall health. Your mouth is the entryway into your body. Oral health conditions can pose a serious threat to your heart, brain, bones and blood pressure! (more…)