Dentist – Reasons To Schedule A Checkup

Often, people who do not have problems with their teeth avoid scheduling appointments with the dentist. Then think that, as long as they brush and floss regularly, they can visit the dental office only when they are having a problem and be just fine. If you find yourself in this boat, you may wish to reconsider your position. There are several reasons you should visit the dental office for regular checkups, at least every year, if not every six months.

Saving Money

The main reason you likely avoid the dentist is to save money. However, going to the dental office now rather than when you are having a problem with your teeth or gums could end up saving you money. The dental staff knows how to spot potential problems before they become dangerous. For instance, having a small filling on a cavity your doctor spotted at your routine checkup costs far less than having a full root canal when the tooth starts to rot away, or the expense of replacing a tooth that you lose completely.

Preventing Gum Disease

Because gum disease causes most cases of tooth loss in adults, preventing it is one of the best ways to keep your teeth right where they need to be. If your dental hygienist can spot the gum disease before it progresses far, you can treat it and even reverse it. If you wait until it has reached advanced stages, you are likely going to be headed to the world of dentures. Again, early detection is the key to preventing very serious dental problems later.

Cancer Prevention

Oral cancer often goes unnoticed by patients because, after all, we spend very little time looking inside our mouths. Dentists are trained to spot signs of oral cancer very early on, giving you the opportunity to attack the disease in its early stages, when curing it is highly possible.

Keep Your Teeth Longer

Those who visit the dentist for regular checkups keep their teeth longer than those who do not. Primarily this occurs because the doctor spots conditions before they progress to the point of tooth loss. It also occurs because the doctor can correct a patient who has poor dental hygiene habits. Those who take heed are able to promote better tooth health after their visit.

Better Overall Health

You may not believe this, but oral health has a very direct impact on how well your body functions as a whole. Gum disease and other serious health conditions, including pancreatic cancer, strokes, and heart disease, are all linked. If you can prevent gum disease, you can take another step to keeping your body healthy.

That Clean Mouth Feeling

If nothing else, visiting the dentist is beneficial because you leave with your mouth feeling clean and fresh. The dental hygienist can get your teeth far cleaner than you ever could at home.

Remember, visiting the dentist may cost a little bit of money, but the ongoing benefits far outweigh this cost. If you are serious about living a long, healthy life with all of your teeth, then schedule your next checkup today!