HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are
Chiropractic & Dental Health
HealthBeat October: Chiropractic & Dental Health
Dentist visit FAQs
O
ptimal oral health has more to do with promoting healthy mouths — it impacts the integrity of our entire bodies.
Many Americans brush off visits with their dentist because cleanings and corrections often mean discomfort. If you have been avoiding this important part of your health-care routine, it’s likely you have several questions or concerns about what happens at the office. To ease your mind and find the motivation to schedule an appointment, learn what to expect and discover the answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the dentist, per the American Dental Association.
How Often Should I Visit?
There is no correct answer to how often you should schedule an appointment as everyone is different. Depending on the level of your oral health, a professional may choose to
see you annually or in some cases, biannually. The easiest way to find the answer is to create an initial meeting so your health can be assessed.
How Do I Find a Dentist?
A great way to discover the perfect place for your smile is to ask for referrals from friends and families. It is also a good idea to check with other health care professionals you visit; they can provide referrals to a quality dentist in your area. Consider the following when choosing the perfect office for your lifestyle. • Are appointment times convenient to your work and personal schedule? • Is the office easy to get to from places you frequent, like your home or
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office? • Is the dentist willing to explain techniques which can help you and clearly discuss the state of your oral health? Finding the care that is right for you may take a little research and a few meetings, but by asking the right questions, you will be on your way to conquering your oral health.
What Should I Expect at a Checkup?
After a visual examination, a dentist or hygienist will determine if X-rays are necessary. They will likely inspect gums for disease or damage before conducting an oral cancer screening. This procedure is as simple as holding your tongue and analyzing your mouth, jaw and neck.
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Do I Need a Dentist if There Are No Symptoms?
Yes. The easiest way to catch problems before they cause discomfort or damage is by following a rigorous schedule based on your dentist’s recommendation.
HealthBeat October: Chiropractic & Dental Health
Reduce accident pain and heal with chiropractic care
D
id you know that automotive accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries? In 2012, more than 5.6 million car accidents were reported to law enforcement and car insurance companies, and the numbers keep growing. The attorney referral service and legal information resource Find Law says the economic cost of car accidents is estimated at $277 billion each year. In addition to causing property damage and damage to the vehicle, car accidents can result in various bodily injuries that may impact a person’s ability to function and work. Some of the more common injuries include trauma to the head, back and neck. Many different treatments can help people who have been involved in auto accidents. Including chiropractic care in treatment plans may help people decrease their pain and improve their mobility. It is important for people involved in auto accidents to seek medical care immediately even if the need for medical attention doesn’t seem readily apparent. Adrenaline can staunch symptoms, and a person may exacerbate an injury if he or she hasn’t undergone a medical exam after a car accident. Persons involved in auto accidents can visit chiropractors as part of their postaccident treatment plans. Chiropractors can perform various services to help people overcome their injuries.
Assess invisible injuries
Whiplash can produce symptoms hours
or even days after an accident. Soreness, dizziness and pain may not register on X-rays or imaging tests. However, a chiropractor may have the tools to assess injuries that result from tension, misalignment and micro-tears in ligaments and muscles.
Reduce inflammation
Chambers Medical Group says that spinal manipulations and pressure release techniques can realign the spinal column and help release an anti-inflammatory substance through the body that can lower pain and inflammation.
Improve pressure
Manipulations also can reduce pressure in the neck area, which in turn may ease the pain of headaches, stiffness, dizziness, and even ringing in the ears, according to the chiropractors at Pain Stop Clinics. Chiropractic care may be used alone or in concert with other treatment options. Medical professionals can work together to provide a regimen that will ease pain and help patients get on the road to recovery.