Did you know roughly 48% of American adults don’t visit the dentist at least once a year? Between busy schedules, dental phobias, and the current pandemic, many patients find themselves consistently postponing their routine checkups. However, your bi-yearly appointments serve an important purpose for your oral and overall health! Read on for four reasons to schedule a visit to your dentist today.
Bi-Yearly Appointments Are a Crucial Part of Your Oral Hygiene Regimen
While a proper brushing and flossing routine is crucial to the health of your teeth and gums, your regular visits to the dentist are equally as important. In fact, the tools your dentist has at their office are the only instruments that can effectively remove stubborn plaque and built-up tartar.
Routine Visits Detect Non-Dental Issues
Although patients often view their dental checkups as just a quick check for cavities, it is important to know that the examination portion of your visit is used to look for non-dental issues as well. Since 90% of health conditions have oral symptoms, your dentist may be the first to identify warning signs that can lead to the early treatment you need. Therefore, your dental team will also check for indicators of oral cancer, diabetes, HIV, and osteoporosis (to name a few!).
Your Oral Health Impacts Your Overall Health
All too often, patients dismiss pain stemming from their mouth and cross their fingers that the issue will go away on its own. While your body does send infection-fighting cells to the area, the continuous effort can weaken your immune system. Plus, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and negatively impact your heart and lungs. To prevent this from happening to you, make sure to always prioritize your routine visits.
Address Small Problems Before They Become Big Dental Concerns
Did you know it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for a cavity to fully develop? In the early stages, tooth decay can be easily treated to protect your teeth from chips, cracks, and fractures. However, if neglected, the damage can spread and require complex, restorative dentistry to fix the issue. To save you both time and money, prioritize proper prevention!
To ensure your teeth and gums remain in pristine condition, it is important to visit your dentist twice a year for a dental examination and professional cleaning. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your oral and overall health is in tip-top shape until your next appointment!
About the Author
Before earning his D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific, Dr. Marc Thomas completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis. By combining modern dentistry, the latest techniques, and a patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Thomas has built a high-quality practice that is second to none. If you would like to schedule your bi-yearly visit with him, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 775-626-3535.