We’ve all been guilty of putting off dental check-ups at one point or another. There are still a number of people with some serious love-hate relationship going on with their dental appointments and we get it. Really, we do.
- 01
You will save a lot of money.
It’s true. Regular visits allow your dentist to evaluate your oral health and treat your dental problems before they get worse. The earlier your problem is diagnosed, the easier it is to fix. Untreated problems often require complex dental procedures that can put a dent in your wallet.
For example, early tooth decay does not always mean you need a filling. In fact, fluoride therapy can reverse early decay by reminalizing your tooth and making your enamel stronger. Without prompt detection and treatment, an exacerbated cavity can eventually call for a root canal treatment followed by a restoration with a crown. Like most things (and forgive us for capitulating to cliché), prevention really is better than cure.
- 02
You get to keep all your teeth.
Gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss, may advance painlessly without symptoms. Did you know that severe gum disease is found in 15–20% of adults aged between 35-44 years old?
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, a dental check-up is just the weapon you need to wield against tooth loss. Saving your teeth means a lifetime of naturally beautiful smile.
- 03
You get screened for oral cancer.
One of the most important parts of a dental visit is oral cancer screening. Your dentist will examine your mouth for any indication of the disease, anything out of the ordinary. The death rate linked with oral cancer is alarmingly high because its initial stages can be painless and can go unnoticed. Early detection followed by correct treatment is crucial for increasing survival rate and improving the quality of life. This is especially important for patients who are at higher risk – those who heavily smoke and consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
- 04
You learn more about your overall health.
The mouth mirrors your overall health. In fact, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases like diabetes, anemia and leukemia have oral manifestations. Recent findings associate gum disease with stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and preterm low-birth-weight babies. Seeing your dentist every six months can help identify diseases in their earliest stages.
Additionally, your appointment is the best time to talk to your dentist about your other oral care concern like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), bruxism (teeth grinding), bad breath and even tobacco cessation. Dental exams also pick up on inadequate nutrition, eating disorders, poor hygiene, stress and improper jaw alignment.
So there you go, folks. We hope you and your dentist get to catch up real soon! If you ever have any questions about the nitty-gritty of your dental appointments at Dr. Michael’s, please ask or share it with us on the comment section below.
