There are many reasons why patients skip their regularly scheduled dental cleanings. Unfortunately, these extended wait times between appointments often lead to bacterial accumulation, which can develop into cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. If you haven’t visited your dentist this year, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t wait any longer and instead, prioritize your oral health.
Early Detection Means Fewer Dental Procedures
With the help of advanced technologies and high-resolution digital imaging, your dentist can view the earliest signs of decay and disease during these six-month dental checkups and cleanings. Instead of waiting until there’s a problem that requires a tooth-colored filling or dental crown, your dentist can get ahead of these issues before they worsen. Ultimately, this proactive approach may keep you from needing restorative dentistry, which also means you spend less time in the treatment chair.
Regular Exams & Cleanings Improve Your Overall Health, Too
Although your smile is your dentist’s priority, they also care about how the state of your mouth impacts your overall health. Since many problems that form within the oral cavity can lead to serious heart, brain, gut, and respiratory issues, regular visits to the dentist’s office can lower these risks.
Catching an oral infection before it reaches your bloodstream can save you time and money in the long run. These dental complications (i.e., tooth decay (abscess), gum disease, etc.) are commonly linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, kidney disease, and more.
By choosing to see your dentist every six months, you can minimize your chances of needing more intensive and complex care, and instead, enjoy a healthier mind, body, and smile year after year.
Dental Visits Help Your Smile Shine
If you’ve noticed that your teeth appear dull and yellow, or you are tired of feeling self-conscious about a small gap or chip, regular visits to your dentist’s office can help. Not only will a professional cleaning help remove surface stains from your teeth, but your dentist can develop a plan that will help your pearly whites really shine.
If you want to discuss cosmetic dentistry to enhance your appearance, a customized approach using veneers, teeth whitening, or any number of cosmetic treatments can be crafted based on your needs and goals.
Don’t let time pass without scheduling a regular dental checkup and cleaning with your dentist. Your decision to prioritize your smile will be worth it when you experience the benefits of a healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Monica Boehmer and her oral hygienists believe in the power of preventive dental care. This is why our team offers regular dental checkups and cleanings to patients in Albuquerque and its surrounding communities. Designed to catch problems early and prevent issues from the start, she will discuss helpful ways to boost oral hygiene at home and keep teeth and gums healthy year-round. If you haven’t been to a dentist in more than six months, contact us at (505) 271-8009 to schedule an appointment.