Most people know that going to the dentist regularly is important, but if you’ve skipped a routine visit or two, it can be difficult to get back on track. The longer you put off picking up the phone and making that appointment, the more anxious you feel about it—and that anxiety makes you want to put off the appointment even more.
The good news is that breaking this cycle is as simple as coming into our office and getting the dental care you need. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we are a judgment-free dental practice and we do everything we can to make sure your appointments are comfortable. Here’s why it’s important to see your dentist regularly.
1. Your Overall Health and Oral Health Are Connected
All of your body’s organs and systems are interconnected, and that includes your teeth and gums. When you have untreated gum disease and tooth decay, it has the potential to impact other parts of your body. There’s increasing evidence suggesting that gum disease may be linked to cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes; while the relationship is still being explored, many researchers believe the inflammation in the gum tissue increases inflammation elsewhere in the body. Having regular dental cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces is a simple step you can take to prevent gum disease and protect your heart in the process.
Poor oral health doesn’t just cause issues for other systems in the body. The reverse is true, too: diseases elsewhere sometimes manifest in the mouth before you experience any other symptoms. Lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms in the teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth. As dentists, we cannot diagnose or treat these conditions, but during regular dental exams, we can identify anything suspicious and report these findings to your physician or a specialist.
2. Preventive Care Is More Affordable Than Restorative Care
Just like anything else in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your oral health. When you visit the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings, you’re doing your part to prevent costly, more invasive dental treatments in the future, including crowns, fillings, and implants. Restorative dental treatments are used to restore the strength, function, and appearance of damaged teeth. You’ll spend much less to maintain your oral health when you focus on preventing dental problems rather than fixing them.
Another way regular dental visits prevent more serious issues is through oral cancer screenings. These include examining your tongue, the insides of your cheeks, jaw, neck, and lips for abnormal growths and lesions. Early diagnosis leads to better overall outcomes.
3. Your Dental Appointments Will Be a Breeze
Dental cleanings might not be your favorite way to spend a weekday morning, but when you come in every six months for dental cleanings and you maintain your oral health at home with good flossing and brushing habits, those cleaning appointments are short and painless. During your dental cleanings, we polish your teeth, which creates a smooth surface that makes it harder for plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam
Whether you’re a regular visitor, a new patient, or it’s been a while since we’ve seen you, you’re welcome at our practice. Contact us today at 413-224-1493 to schedule an appointment.