A trip to the dentist may not be the highest on your list of fun activities, but it should be a priority. Though many people appreciate the cosmetic benefits of bright and straight teeth, going the dentist is about more than just a pretty smile. Not only will going to the dentist keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh, but routine checkups will help prevent oral disease, treat health problems before they worsen, and promote a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Regular Visits Help Prevent Disease
Going to the dentist is not just about cleaning your teeth and listening to the doctor tell you the importance of flossing. During your checkup, the dentist or hygienist will evaluate several aspects of your overall oral health.
This will include a head and neck exam, an inspection of your gums, and an evaluation of your mouth and teeth. These exams will allow the dentist to pinpoint any indications of oral cancer, diabetes, or even vitamin deficiencies, along with the typical inspection for cavities and tooth decay.
Though you may not feel any pain or discomfort prior to your visit, the dentist will be able to detect the early signs of oral problems before they become a greater threat to your health (and wallet). Most dental problems aren’t painful or even visible until they are highly advanced. And by that point, there is little the dentist can do without more drastic (and expensive) treatments.
Regular checkups with your dentist can prevent painful diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay, by spotting the signs early.
Dental Problems Don’t Get Better Without Treatment
Unfortunately, dental problems won’t heal themselves. Many people suffer for days or months before seeing a dentist in the hopes that their oral health will improve. However, when infection and decay occur, time is your enemy, not your friend.
Minor infections can deteriorate into high risk health problems if left to fester. Even common ailments like cavities can lead to more serious health concerns (like septicemia) if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
Other issues, such as periodontal (gum) disease, are not only the main cause of tooth loss, but it is also linked to heart disease and strokes. Luckily, if diagnosed early, gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) can be treated and reversed.
That is why it is so important to see your dentist such as Broadway Family Dental Center at least twice a year. By regularly going in for an exam, you increase your chances of catching disease early and preventing major health issues down the road.
Dentist Visits Promote Oral Health
The benefit of regular dental checkups goes far beyond the dentist chair. Not only will regular checkups prevent and treat disease and oral issues, but visiting the dentist promotes a healthy mouth.
While you are sitting in the chair getting your teeth cleaned and examined, the dentist will educate you on how to maintain healthy teeth and offer specific recommendations based on your needs and predispositions. For those who have a higher risk for gum disease (genetically), your doctor may recommend more frequent checkups, a specific brand of toothpaste, or additional oral care routines.
No matter what your dental health or history, going to the dentist regularly will promote healthy habits in your life. From flossing and brushing to teeth-friendly diets, your dentist can encourage and educate you on ways to improve your overall health daily—and not just when you are in the office.
Going to the dentist isn’t always easy, and for many, the financial burden can be a stressful strain of the family budget. However, taking steps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy today will prevent more painful and expensive problems from plaguing your life in the future. So don’t delay. Visit your dentist today!
