Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many non-essential dental appoints such as exams and cleanings have been canceled. However, once an appointment has been canceled, it can be easy to forget to reschedule for a future date. While many people underestimate the importance of regular dental exams and cleanings, routine dental care is critical in maintaining your overall health. If you have had a recent appointment canceled due to COVID-19, or you haven’t seen a dentist since long before this crisis began, here is a look at just a few of the reasons why regular dental appointments are so important.
Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth every day, regular dental exams and cleanings are a critical component in helping to prevent gum disease. When caught early, gum disease can be treated and even reversed. However, when left untreated, gum disease can cause your permanent teeth to fall out and it could even result in the need for extensive surgery. Regular cleanings are then critical in protecting your oral health.
Detect Early Signs of Broken Fillings and Fractures
Oftentimes, problems with your teeth can be discovered by a dental professional before you even notice symptoms. While you may think that everything is fine, a dentist may discover early signs of cavities, broken fillings, and even tooth fractures during their examination. Early detection of such problems can help you to avoid more complicated procedures down the road such as a root canal or a tooth extraction.
Save Money
If you have dental insurance and do not take advantage of your covered cleanings, this represents money wasted on a service that you are not using. Additionally, putting off going to the dentist can result in complicated oral health problems, which could result in costly dental bills once you do see a dentist. By maintaining your oral health with regular cleanings, you will save money in the long-run even if you don’t have insurance.
Ensure Your Teeth Stay Bright
While brushing your teeth regularly is a critical component in helping you to maintain a bright white smile, if you have noticed your teeth start to yellow in recent years, having your teeth cleaned at least twice a year can help brighten your smile. Your dental hygienist can remove most stains that dull and discolor your teeth, leaving you with a bright, white smile.
Ensure Your Overall Health
What many people do not realize is how important dental visits are in helping to ensure their overall health. Evidence over the years has demonstrated a strong link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. If you do not take proper care of your oral health, this can put you at a greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is then critical in helping to maintain your overall health.
Regular dental visits are critical in order to ensure your oral and physical health. This makes it critical that you schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
