We constantly emphasize the importance of daily flossing and brushing and regular dental checkups. These behaviors are important to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime. One celebrity who learned proper dental care the hard way is Whoopi Goldberg.
In 2008, Goldberg missed an episode of her talk show, The View, because she had emergency dental surgery. She admitted that she neglected her mouth and now she is “paying the price.” Her surgery left her face severely swollen so she was not able to perform her job duties. And she’s not alone. Adults miss an average of more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental pain, problems, and treatments.
After returning to the show, Goldberg advised her fans on how important it is to take care of your mouth. She confessed that she did not visit the dentist regularly, and her lack of routine maintenance had destructed her mouth. At her dentist appointment, the celebrity discovered that she had bone loss due to periodontal disease, and that she may lose her two front teeth.
Goldberg also told the audience that proper dental care affects more than your teeth and gums. She said, “I know you don’t want to go to the dentist, but the health of your entire body depends upon keeping your mouth healthy.” Oral bacteria can spread to other parts of your body. Periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of diabetes complications, premature births, heart disease, stroke, and many other health conditions. Goldberg continued warning her fans that “if you do not take care of your mouth, you are not taking care of your body… and it will kill you.”
Goldberg realizes her consequences and hopes her fans don’t make the same mistake. She acknowledged the fact that she “brought this on [herself] and could have prevented it.” Routine checkups by Dr. Greenfield can help spot gum disease and other oral problems in their early stages, so the destruction can be stopped and treated, before it becomes too late to save your smile.
However, if you’re in the same boat as Whoopi Goldberg and at risk of losing teeth, you may benefit from dental implants to help restore your smile. Ask Dr. Greenfield if you’re at risk of any tooth or gum problems. Contact Lake Orion Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenfield. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.
