It’s easy to consider skipping dental appointments due to cost, scheduling, or anxiety. However, what you risk in not making regular appointments can seriously compromise your wallet and your peace of mind. Making the commitment to visit your dentist every six months is easier than you think and it will seriously benefit you and your smile in the long run.
1. Fight Against Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
Unfortunately, even the most diligent brushing routines won’t completely eliminate plaque. There are many small areas in the mouth that are missed when brushing. It’s important to get regular cleanings to avoid plaque build-up. Once plaque hardens, it can become tartar, which is difficult to remove and can cavities. Regular cleanings keep plaque in-check and can prevent future fillings and decay.
2. Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth. The infection occurs when tartar buildup causes an infection where the gum is connected to the tooth. If gum disease goes unaddressed, it can lead to painful swelling, bleeding, and the eventual loss of your teeth. Regular cleanings are an easy way to avoid this common disease.
3. Correct Wear and Tear Caused Over the Years
Even if your teeth appear to be fine and you practice good dental hygiene, routine visits to the dentist can keep your smile healthy for a life-time. Tooth decay and the decay of the tooth root is commonly seen in older adults, especially those that have older fillings. Even if all seems well on the surface, there can be underlying issues that only a dentist can recognize and diagnose.
4. Find Hidden Problems with X-Rays
One of the most important reasons to visit the dentist is to get your teeth and jaw bone x-rayed. X-ray images allow dentists to see what’s going on below the surface of your mouth and gives them the ability to diagnose issues that may be invisible to the naked eye. X-rays allow dentists to check for things such as impacted teeth, bone decay, swelling, cysts, or tumors. It’s important to find any of these issues as soon as possible so they can be properly treated.
5. Your Dental Health Affects Your Overall Health
There is a strong link between having good oral health and good overall health.
Healthy teeth encourage every system in your body to perform well. Maintaining good oral health is a great step to take when establishing a healthy lifestyle.