Getting an annual dental exam is something that is vitally important to our health, yet many individuals do not get one as frequently as they should. It is recommended that you schedule your routine dentist appointment every six months. Additionally, knowing the benefits of scheduling your annual dental exams will help you better understand why they are so important.
Routine dentist appointments are significant for:
Preventing Cavities
That build up on your teeth, which everyone gets, is called plaque, and it is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at your tooth enamel, and, if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Cavities can then cause a substantial amount of pain and potentially lead to a root canal.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. It is also one of the major causes of bone loss if left untreated. Rinsing your mouth after meals and going to the dentist for your annual cleanings will help to prevent gum disease from developing in your mouth.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Gum disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults, starts with the build-up of plaque. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down into the tooth where it can start to destroy the supporting bone in your jaw. Without a strong supporting bone, your teeth will begin to loosen and eventually fall out. The chance of this happening is very rare if you keep up on your dental exams, annual cleaning, and good oral hygiene.
Whitening & Brightening Your Smile
Our society seems to fuel themselves on coffee and tea just to get through the day, and unfortunately, these drinks stain your teeth, along with red wine, soda, and even tobacco. A thorough dental cleaning can remove these stains and leave you with a bright, white smile.
Freshening Your Breath
No one likes to have bad breath, right? Well, good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent this. Even though regular flossing and brushing helps tremendously, there is still food that gets trapped and bacteria that needs to be removed, which can cause bad breath if left untreated.
Detecting Oral Cancer
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. This is an alarming statistic, but it can be prevented and treated if detected early. Keep in mind – when you have your annual dental exam, you are also screened for oral cancer.
Good Overall Health
Studies show a connection between good oral health and good overall health. Getting regular dental cleanings and exams will even help to lower your risk for some diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. There are many health conditions that are life-threatening and can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine dental appointment.
Upkeep of Prior Dental Work
Let’s say you had some cavities filled several years back. Well, your dentist will be able to inspect any prior work you have had to make sure that everything is still in place, and that no additional work is needed. If a filling does need to be filled again or a crown replaced, your dentist will recommend that at the time.
Saving You Money
When you go to the dentist for regular exams, they are doing preventative maintenance on your mouth. The cleanings, exams, and screenings are less expensive (and less stressful) than going in for a dental exam after several years and realizing that a lot of work needs to be done to your mouth. If you keep up on regular exams, it will save you money in the long run.
Low Insurance Costs
Most dental plans today have very low or no-copayment options for dental cleanings and exams. If you take advantage of these health insurance benefits, you will not only protect your oral health but it will also help you to avoid costly procedures in the future.
By being proactive with your oral health, you can ensure a bright future for your smile and your overall health.