If you regularly brush and floss your teeth, you might be tempted to skip your next dental visit. After all, your teeth are clean. Do you really need to bother with the trip and the expense? The answer is a resounding yes! There are spaces in your mouth where bacteria love to thrive, like between your teeth and under your gumline, that impact your health. It’s important to see your dentist once every 6 months to catch any potential problems before they can progress. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons it’s so important to keep your next appointment with your dentist on the calendar.
Reason #1: Appropriate Preventative Care
Once tooth decay or gum disease sets in, there’s no way to completely reverse any damage they’ve caused. That means it’s incredibly important that your pearly whites are clean and well-monitored so that germs that cause these conditions don’t have a chance to thrive, to begin with. That’s where your dentist can help! They’re the only ones with the right expertise and tools to professionally clean your teeth. They even take an X-ray to ensure there are no pockets of decay hiding below the surface.
Reason #2: You Could Save Money
Some patients assume visiting the dentist is an unnecessary extra expense. The truth is, though, that it’s imperative to see your dentist consistently to detect areas of concern early. As gum disease and tooth decay advance, they will inevitably require more expensive treatments. An examination with your dentist now is cheaper than a root canal or gum recontouring later!
Not only that, but many dental insurance plans cover checkups because they’re part of preventative maintenance. That means you potentially could pay less now to have the dentist examine and professionally clean your teeth, and avoid costly surgeries, restorative work, or other expenses down the road.
Reason #3: Identify Other Health Issues
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can impact your overall health, and your dentist is a professional with years of experience identifying and treating certain problems. Studies have shown that tooth loss and gum disease are associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart attacks, for example. There are several other conditions that cause symptoms in your mouth, too. That means that seeing your dentist regularly can help you avert other issues like:
- Heart disease.
- Oral cancer.
- Intense stress.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Diabetes.
- Anemia.
- GERD.
- Osteoporosis.
- Dementia.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
If visiting your dentist can potentially save you from the serious consequences of associated health risks, then it’s more than worth it! Don’t hesitate. Call your dentist today for an examination and your whole body will thank you.
About the Practice
Our skilled team of dentists at LIC Dental Associates believes that your overall well-being is just as important as your dental care. We treat patients of all ages in a spa-like atmosphere so you can take a moment to breathe and relax during your visit. We offer extended evening hours on Mondays and Wednesdays so it’s easy to schedule your next exam at a time that’s convenient for you. You’re welcome to request an appointment on our website or by calling (718) 280-3286.