Preventative dental care is essential to maintaining good oral health and keeping your mouth and smile sparkling. Regular check-ups and dental cleaning services, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, provide more than just a clean feeling — they can help catch and prevent a wide range of dental problems.
Semi-annual visits to the dentist are the best way to monitor your oral health. Before skipping your next cleaning appointment, here are five reasons why preventative dental care is so critical.
Keep your gums healthy
Regular visits to a family dentist are essential in keeping your gums and teeth healthy and pain-free. When bacteria builds up on the teeth and gums, tooth decay and gum disease result. This can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. By getting regular check-ups and cleanings, you can help to remove this bacteria before it causes any damage.
Daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash are good starting points for preventative dental care, but a visit to the office will help identify any developing issues by a dental professional. If significant changes occur, your dental team can identify them during your appointments — when the issue is minor and easily treatable! Your dentist or hygienist will create a history of changes and be better able to determine a treatment plan when problem areas arise.
Much like your physical health, oral health needs monitoring to keep it in the best shape possible. By getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups, you can help to keep your teeth and gums in top condition.
Save money on dental care
Think skimping on dental appointments will save money? Think again. Preventative dental care can actually save you money. If you catch dental problems early on, they are typically much easier — and less expensive! — to treat. On the other hand, if you ignore these problems and they progress, they can require more extensive (and expensive) treatments. Take a small cavity, for example. When found early, a small cavity can often be filled quickly and inexpensively. However, if the cavity is left untreated and grows larger, it may require a root canal, which can cost significantly more.
Additionally, most dental insurance plans will cover two cleaning visits per year with little or no out-of-pocket expense. If you are paying for dental insurance, you may be missing out on these covered services. How often should you see a dentist? Two visits per year are generally recommended to keep on top of good oral health. These semi-annual visits consist of two parts — cleaning and exams, which check for cracks, cavities, changes in gum health and any other issues that need attention. Regular cleaning and exams can prevent the time, pain and expense of restorative procedures and emergency visits.
Receive expert advice
If you’ve spent time shopping for oral health products, you know it can quickly get overwhelming. Speaking with your hygienist and dentist can help you navigate the most effective products for your specific home care or treatment plan. Your dental team is your partner in keeping your smile safe and healthy. Utilize their expert knowledge to get the right products for you.
In addition to providing information on products, they can also teach best practices for home care. Following instructions between visits can improve your oral health, making future visits more pleasant and keeping your mouth happy.
Show off your smile
Your smile makes a powerful first impression. And a wide smile showing your teeth is even more genuine and trustworthy. However, when you don’t like your teeth, you’re less likely to show them — and then, more than just your dental health can be affected. Discolored, missing or damaged teeth can affect your self-esteem. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient. By getting regular cleanings and check-ups, you can help to prevent this problem and maintain fresh breath.
Visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene can boost your confidence by keeping your smile beautiful and your breath fresh. When you have a healthy, bright smile, you are more likely to feel good about yourself and more confident in social situations.
Maintain better overall health
Poor oral health has been linked to several health problems. Preventative visits can help identify more serious health issues, since your dental team is specially trained to recognize the signs of concerning health issues. For example, oral cancer can be diagnosed through regular check-ups.
Gum disease is a severe issue that can lead to tooth loss and even put your overall health at risk. Research has shown that gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Preventative dental care could be vital in reducing your risk of these conditions.
Preventative dental care is important to your overall health. Skipping these appointments could result in loss of teeth, expensive treatments, wasted money, missed diagnoses and a less fulfilling social life. By taking care of your teeth and gums now, you can save yourself time, money, and potential health problems in the future.
Don’t have your next appointment already scheduled? Call us today and get on the books. We’ll be happy to get you back on track!
