Why You Need To Visit The Dentist

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You probably have a busy schedule and find it difficult to fit another appointment in to your hectic day. Please remember that your dentist plays a major role in maintaining your overall dental health. Keeping those regular 6-month visits is important in keeping your teeth and gums in tip top shape. The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist and dental hygienist at least two times each year in order to maintain optimal health and hygiene for your teeth.

Reasons to visit the dentist every six months:

  1. Early diagnosis of tooth decay. The primary reason to visit your dentist regularly is to avoid dental issues such as tooth decay and gum problems. These issues may seem minor at first, but they can lead to more serious problems and even major dental concerns if they are not addressed early. So, regular visits can help you in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
  2. Clean teeth. You probably work hard to remember to brush and floss twice a day. Sometimes, that isn’t enough. for proper oral health and hygiene, you must brush and floss the correct way. Your dental hygienist can show you the proper way to brush. They are trained to help you brush effectively to maintain your dental health. A healthy set of teeth is a crucial part of enhancing your appearance. Your hygienist will clean up your teeth by removing dental plaque or tartar while making suggestions on your daily oral health routine.
  3. Diagnosis of severe dental disease. The National Institutes of Health report that over 30,000 Americans suffer from oral cancer each year. Fortunately, early diagnosis of dental diseases such as oral cancer can help save your life. Your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening during your regular six-month visit. Oral cancer is known to spread quickly, but can be easily countered if detected early.
  4. Gum disease. Certain nutritional habits may lead to gum disease which can expose healthy teeth to tooth loss and other serious health ailments. Regular dental visits will allow the dentist to diagnose gum problems early on. Some gum issues can be reversed if caught early enough.

Ignoring dental problems allows them time to spread and become more serious. Proper care of your teeth and gums will keep them healthier your whole life. Consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist now. Recent medical studies have linked some major diseases to gum disease. Dental disease is suspected of contributing to heart disease, pancreatic cancer and stroke.

You have probably heard the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Visiting your dentist twice a year will help make your teeth healthy, but can also save you money and time in the long run.