To keep your smile looking beautiful, you should see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. However, there are many other reasons why this is important as well. Sitting in the dental chair with your mouth open may not be your favorite activity in the world, but you’ll likely be surprised by all of the ways it can benefit you. Continue reading to learn some of the reasons why you should always seek preventive care on a regular basis.
Advice on Dental Hygiene
Who is better to ask about oral hygiene practices than your dentist? While it seems like brushing and flossing are relatively simple tasks, the truth is that many people aren’t keeping up with their smiles as well as they could. Your dentist can give you recommendations on products you may want to use, techniques to give a try, and which trouble spots you should particularly focus on.
Monitoring Your Teeth and Gums
Most of the time, oral health issues don’t appear overnight. By seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups, they can ensure that your teeth and gums are both looking healthy. If your dentist comes across anything that appears to be concerning, you will find out early on before you end up with a more severe oral health issue that requires more extensive treatment in the future.
Identifying Life-Threatening Diseases
Poor oral health can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions. When you head in for your routine checkups, your dentist checks for things like oral cancer. This serious condition is often treatable when detected early on. By missing just one checkup, an easy treatment can turn into intensive chemotherapy. Oral health issues can lead to other serious health problems, like cardiovascular disease and preterm labor for pregnant women. Ultimately, by seeing your dentist now, you could be saving your life!
Save Money
Many people find themselves avoiding dental visits simply to save money. However, the truth is that this can do the opposite. Your dental visits won’t be nearly as expensive if you are able to avoid preventable oral health issues thanks to regular cleanings and checkups. If you end up with severe dental issues, you can run up a steep bill. By attending regular visits now, you can save both your smile and your wallet!
Going to the dentist probably isn’t your favorite activity, but it pays off over time! By attending regular visits, your smile will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Bygness is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for 25 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and SPEAR. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Denison, visit his website or call (712) 263-3252.