Our parents, teachers and family doctors always emphasize the importance of managing our health. We’re told to eat a balanced diet and spend enough time outside exercising, but how often are we told to visit our dentist regularly? While at-home oral care is on the rise, many adults still don’t make it a habit to visit the dentist every six months as recommended by the American Dental Association.
To learn six reasons why routine dental visits are essential, keep reading!
Catching the Common Culprits
No amount of at-home oral care can replace a thorough cleaning from a licensed professional. With regular cleanings, you can prevent plaque and tartar from eroding teeth and causing cavities in the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. What’s even worse is cavities often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Instead of paying for expensive restorative treatments like fillings, crowns and dental implants, always opt for routine cleanings to protect your natural teeth.
Gum Disease: The Silent Killer
Keep in mind that plaque is largely transparent, meaning it’s coating your gum tissue as well. As a result, plaque and tartar will begin to break down essential tissue for keeping teeth in place. Like cavities, gum disease does not show its full form until it has already begun causing significant damage. Treating this problem typically calls for the help of a specialist, only leading to higher dental costs. By visiting regularly, you can catch the early signs and adjust your number of appointments and at-home care as needed.
Oral Cancer: Early Prevention
Oral cancer is on the rise, with approximately 54,000 people being diagnosed every year. Out of that group, thousands won’t survive because of how late in development their cancer was caught, making it only more difficult to treat. However, routine visits give you the best fight against oral cancer since your dentist can recognize it in its early stages.
Bad Habits to Change Today
Did you know that biting your nails, chewing ice, clenching your jaw, having an unbalanced diet and brushing too hard can all have a serious negative impact on your smile? Many people don’t realize how much their habits are affecting them until they visit a dentist. Therefore, visits can actually work to prevent dental emergencies before they occur.
Invisible to the Naked Eye
Dental X-rays are an essential part of your overall exam because they help the dentist understand what’s happening underneath your gum tissue and bone. It’s a very effective way to catch systemic diseases, such as tumors, osteoporosis, cysts and many other oral issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Not Just Your Mouth
You may not notice it, but dentists are checking your neck, head and lymph nodes during your exam, not just your mouth. By doing this, they can catch abnormalities linked to major unexpected disease, such as cancer. By visiting regularly, you protect essential areas of your body like your neck and thyroid glands, which can make a big difference in reducing your future health costs.
Skipping routine visits is not worth it! Schedule an appointment today to keep your oral and overall health protected!
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau Jr. earned his DDS degree from the LSU School of Dentistry. He’s taken many hours of continuing education to provide the most comprehensive services possible. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.