You've probably heard that you should see your dentist on a regular basis. In fact, most dentists recommend coming in for a checkup and a cleaning every six months. But most adults don't go to the dentist as often as they should, and some don't go at all -- that is, until they develop problems from a lack of dental care. Don't wait until you have a problem to make your next appointment with your dentist. Going to the dentist's office may not be anyone's favorite thing to do, but it's well worth it. You'll have fewer oral health issues in the long run if you get regular checkups, and you'll save money over the long haul, too. Here are five reasons why you should pick up the phone and make your next appointment with your dentist today.
Problems with the mouth, gums, and teeth often start slowly. If something isn't right inside your mouth, you may not realize it until it's too late to heal the problem. By the time you notice symptoms, such as a toothache or bleeding gums, the issue may be advanced enough that your treatment options are limited. Fortunately, there's no need to start inspecting your teeth with a flashlight at home. Instead, put your mind at ease by seeing your dentist twice a year. If you stick to a consistent schedule of getting a checkup and a cleaning every six months, your dentist will be able to identify potential health issues developing in your mouth, even if you haven't noticed any problems yourself yet. Moreover, if you keep seeing the same dentist for years, he or she will learn what's normal for you and be able to spot any changes in your oral health even more readily.
Did you know that gum problems are often a sign of serious health issues elsewhere in your body? Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are all linked to gum disease. Many people with gum disease don't realize this, though, and they don't seek medical attention for these other dangerous health conditions. Your dentist can recognize whether an oral health problem could be linked to disease elsewhere in the body, so it's important to both see your dentist regularly and take his or her advice seriously.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth religiously every day, it's hard to get your teeth perfectly clean every time. Most adults have some degree of plaque buildup in their mouth, even if they have excellent oral hygiene habits. Getting regular professional cleanings at the dentist's office can help get rid of the plaque. This won't just keep your teeth healthier for longer -- it will also help keep your breath fresh and your smile bright.
If you know you'll need dental care sooner or later, it's not a good idea to postpone the inevitable. Problems in the mouth don't heal themselves. In fact, they usually do the opposite and get worse over time. It's much simpler (and less expensive) to fill in a cavity while it's small, for example, than it is to wait until you need a root canal. Don't take your teeth and gums for granted. If you lose them, you won't get them back, so start caring for them properly today.
Seeing your dentist regularly is the most important thing you can do to keep your smile looking great. When your teeth and gums are clean, healthy, and well-cared-for, you'll never need to feel self-conscious about your grin. Instead, you'll have one more good reason to smile every day!
