How often do you go to the dentist? Do you see your dentist every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam? Dentists recommend that you schedule your appointments every 6 months to maintain your dental health.
Unfortunately many people only go to the dentist when a problem arises, such as a toothache or a dental emergency. The problem with this method is that once you feel pain, the situation has progressed in severity to the point where you will likely need more complex interventions. Prevention is the purpose of regular dental visits.
Here are 3 reasons to see your dentist on a regular basis.
- Preserve Your Oral Health.
The primary purpose of regular dental appointments is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing your teeth at home is important, but that alone isn’t enough. Your dentist and dental hygienist use special tools to remove plaque and calculus that build up on your teeth over time. When this is not removed it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
If you wait until your tooth hurts to see the dentist about it, the decay is already pretty severe. The cavity may even have progressed beyond a filling and also need a root canal, if the tooth can be saved at all. Gum disease, when not treated, can cause the gums to recede and even pull away from the teeth so much that they may become loose and even fall out. But these issues could be avoided with regular dental care.
- Save Money.
Did you know that going to the dentist on a regular basis can actually save you money?
If you don’t have dental insurance that covers regular dental appointments, you may hesitate to schedule them. However, these preventative care appointments can prevent the need for more expensive procedures. You may not want to pay for a teeth cleaning and exam out of pocket, but the cost of a cavity filling, root canal, or other dental procedure will definitely cost you more.
If your employer doesn’t provide dental insurance, ask your dentist if they offer a dental coverage plan you can purchase. In many cases these plans cost less than what you pay for private dental insurance. You may also be able to make monthly payments to your dentist for routine appointments or other dental care costs. CareCredit is a good financing option for dental expenses.
- Oral Cancer Screening.
One of the most important things your dentist does for you at routine dental appointments is check you for signs of oral cancer. Your dentist will examine the soft tissues inside your mouth and gently feel your jaw and neck for any abnormalities. When diagnosed early and treated, oral cancer has an excellent survival rate. By getting an examination every 6 months, the chances of detecting oral cancer in the early stages is good.
If you notice any symptoms or anything out of the ordinary about your oral health, don’t wait until your next dental appointment. Call your dentist right away and explain your symptoms. If your dentist notices anything out of the ordinary, they may recommend you see your primary care doctor for a follow-up examination. They may even refer you directly to an oncologist for testing.
These 3 reasons are just some of the many benefits to keeping up with a regular schedule for dental visits. Your permanent teeth are the only teeth you have. If you take care of them, you could have them for the rest of your life. Professional dental care combined with good dental hygiene habits at home is all you need to maintain your oral health.
Reasons to See Dental Associates Regularly
If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, Dental Associates can help. We provide comprehensive dental services for patients in Farmington, CT and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for a dentist for routine care or you have a dental issue that needs attention, Dental Associates is currently accepting new patients. Ask us about our Dental Savings Plan to make your dental care more affordable.
Call 860-677-8666 today to schedule a visit or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain your dental health.