Experts agree that everyone should visit their dental team twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning. If your life is busy and you have good oral care habits, though, you might be tempted to skip these regular appointments. After all, what is the worst that could happen? You might be surprised! This blog post explains five big reasons why you should think twice before skipping your next preventive dental visit.
Cleanings Remove Stubborn Plaque and Tartar
Even the most diligent brushing and flossing routines cannot reach every nook and cranny of your mouth. Over time, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-access spots, eventually hardening into tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush at home. Professional dental cleanings use specialized tools to safely and thoroughly eliminate these deposits. This process significantly lowers your risk of gum disease and cavities.
Checkups Catch Issues Early
Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to detect potential problems before they become serious. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns can prevent extensive damage, spare you from pain, and allow you to undergo conservative treatments instead of extensive and invasive therapies.
Routine Care Can Help You Save Money
Preventive dental care is generally much less costly than restorative procedures. When a small cavity is caught early, it can be treated quickly and affordably. However, delaying care may result in more complex problems that require expensive solutions such as crowns, root canal therapy, or extractions and tooth replacement. Plus, dental insurance covers a greater portion of minor procedures than major ones.
Your Oral Health Is Connected to Your Overall Health
Researchers have found strong links between oral health and overall well-being. Untreated oral infections and gum disease may contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health problems. Additionally, your dentist can spot signs of medical conditions that may first appear in the mouth, which gives you valuable information about your general health status.
An Oral Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life
During your dental checkup, your dental team should perform an oral cancer screening, looking for any unusual spots or lesions. If they identify any suspicious tissues, they can refer you for additional testing. An early diagnosis can give you the opportunity to treat cancer before it spreads and becomes life-threatening.
Skipping your dental checkup and cleaning is a risk you do not need to take! Prioritize these visits in order to protect both your smile and your overall health.
Meet the Practice
Our team at New Haven Dental Group is proud to provide top-quality care for the communities we serve. We strive to make routine visits both efficient and thorough. If it has been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, we would love to welcome you into our office. To request an appointment or learn more about us, contact our Hamden location at 203-587-7327.