Why You REALLY Need Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental visits are critical to detect and prevent damage to your teeth. These visits are entirely worth your time – long-term poor dental health takes a toll on the mind and body. Not to mention the cost of surgery, implants, and other procedures. In the long run, regular visits are much easier on your wallet.
Here are a few other good reasons to get regular cleanings and checkups:
1. Dental professionals take care of the things you miss even with good oral hygiene
Plaque and tartar get stuck under the gum line and in between teeth, even with good brushing habits. Once they start to build up, they’re difficult to remove without professional tools.
Plaque is difficult to catch. It hides under the gum line, and it grows slowly. Left alone, plaque can cause gingivitis. If further left untreated (which is likely if you’re not visiting the dentist regularly) it can progress to periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease ultimately means losing the affected teeth.
Tartar is hardened plaque. It’s easier to see, but requires professional tools to remove. Left alone, tartar can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, leading to cavities and tooth decay. Tartar buildup causes receding gums and gingivitis, which can also lead to tooth loss.
2. Regular visits help catch conditions & damage beyond just those in your mouth
Dentists are trained to catch the earliest signs and symptoms of cavities, gum disease, periodontitis, tooth damage, crown damage, and more. They’re also familiar with conditions that aren’t directly related to your teeth – early symptoms of diabetes often present orally, for instance.
Since most issues happen slowly over time, most people don’t notice them creeping up. The symptoms can be difficult to spot as well.
Visiting the dentist regularly helps to identify issues throughout the body before they can do permanent damage to your health.
3. Regular check-ups help prevent other diseases that result from poor dental health
Research shows a high correlation between chronic gum disease and heart disease. According to this research, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. Those with high cholesterol are at even greater risk.
Visiting the dentist regularly can help catch and control gum disease early, which can decrease your risk of heart disease.
Regular dental visits are an investment in your future health. For many, they mean getting back total body health and recovering years of life.