One reason why you should attend regular cleanings and checkups is that it can help your smile always look its best. However, there is much more to it than just that. Sitting in the dental chair with your mouth open may not be your favorite activity, but you may be surprised by all the ways it can benefit you. Continue reading to learn some of the reasons why you should always seek preventive care on a regular basis.
Advice on Oral Hygiene
Who is better to ask about oral hygiene practices than your dentist? While it seems like brushing and flossing are relatively simple tasks, the truth is that many people aren’t keeping up with their smiles as well as they could. Your dentist can give you recommendations on products you should be using, techniques to give a try, and which trouble spots in your smile you should particularly focus on.
Monitoring the Teeth and Gums
In the majority of cases, oral health issues don’t just appear overnight. By seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups, they can ensure that your teeth and gums are both looking healthy. If your dentist comes across anything that appears to be concerning, you will find out early on before you end up with a more severe oral health issue that requires more extensive treatment in the future.
Identifying Life-Threatening Disease
Poor oral health can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions. When you head in for your routine checkups, your dentist checks for things like oral cancer. This serious condition is often treatable when detected early on. By missing just one checkup, an easy treatment can turn into intensive chemotherapy. Oral health conditions can lead to other serious health problems, like cardiovascular disease and preterm labor for pregnant women. Ultimately, by seeing your dentist now, you could save your life!
Save Money
Many people find themselves avoiding dental visits simply to save money. However, the truth is that they are often doing the opposite. Your dental visits won’t be nearly as expensive if you are able to avoid preventable oral health issues thanks to regular cleanings and checkups. If you end up with severe dental issues, you can run up a steep bill. By attending regular visits now, you can save both your smile and your wallet!
Going to the dentist probably isn’t your favorite activity, but it sure pays off! By seeing your dentist for regular visits now, your smile will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Carlyon is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he’s a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Capital Area Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. For more information on regular checkups or to schedule your next visit at his office in Buda, visit his website or call (512) 295-5555.