Typical patients will see their dentist around two times per year unless they were put on a special schedule. Every six months you need to go get your typical checkup, including cleaning and at least one set of X-rays per year.
Did you know there are more important reasons why keeping your regular cleanings are important? We’ll cover five of the most important reasons that you should be keeping your regular dental appointments with your dentist.
Reason 1: It Keeps Gum Disease at Bay
Gum disease is an infection that affects the gum tissue and bones that keep your teeth in place. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. When gum disease is diagnosed early, it can be treated and even reversed.
Adversely, if the patient who has gum disease does not receive treatment, it will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings from your dentist paired with daily brushing and flossing are the keys to fighting and preventing gum disease.
Reason 2: Practicing Good Personal Oral Hygiene
You want to know you are doing it right. Your dentist can make sure that the methods you are using at home to clean your teeth are correct. He or she can help you if you are brushing too hard or using the wrong tools for brushing.
Also, dentists are usually up to date on new trends and products in the dental industry. Your checkups will allow your dentist to inspect how you are cleaning your teeth, what you are using, and help you do better if you need to.
Reason 3: It Prevents Oral Cancer
Did you know, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, that an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day? That is a scary thought! It’s extremely unfortunate, especially considering how highly curable oral cancer is with early detection.
You may not even realize it, but at every routine checkup with your dentist, they are screening you for oral cancer during your cleaning. Keeping these routine checks will help avoid serious medical issues and can potentially save your life should oral cancer present itself.
Reason 4: Early Detection of Dental Problems
Overlooking basic dental problems can result in long-term problems. While we’ve mentioned oral cancer and gum disease, there are basic dental problems that can pop up at any time. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to repair, but without regular trips to the dentist, you could be facing a more serious condition.
When simple dental issues are left unaddressed, they can potentially lead to root canals, gum surgery, and tooth extraction. Those routine cleanings are going to be a lot easier to endure and a lot cheaper than allowing a small incident to evolve into a large problem.
Reason 5: Make Use of Your Dental Insurance
If you are already paying out of pocket at work for dental insurance, you may as well use it. Consider all the money you are putting into preventative dental care and take advantage of those benefits. This will save you a lot of money in the long run because you’ll maintain your oral health and avoid costly procedures that are the direct result of poor dental hygiene.
Schedule your appointments out and be prepared for the year!
Make sure you stay on top of your appointments with your dental office. At the Complete Dentistry of Orland Park, and many other dental offices, patients can easily schedule their next appointment at the conclusion of their current one. While scheduling out six months is not always ideal, it keeps your appointment on the calendar and adjustments can always be made closer to the date.
Keep up with your oral hygiene — your smile will thank you!
