Going to the dentist is probably near the top of most people’s list of least favourite things to do. Despite the fact that the recommendation is to visit a dentist for a check up at least two times a year, many people prefer to wait until something serious develops before seeking help. This recommendation isn’t just a way for dentists to drum up more business on a regular basis, there are actually some very good reasons why regular dental check ups are a very good idea.
10 important reasons to schedule regular visits with your family dentist
When money is tight or schedules are busy, it can be easy to postpone those regular dental check ups. That can be a very bad idea, however, which could result in poor dental health and end up costing you more money in the long run. Here are several reasons to keep that dentist appointment:
1. Cleaning – At every check up, the hygienist or dentist will provide a thorough cleaning of the teeth that goes beyond what brushing and flossing can accomplish. This will eliminate hardened plaque and tartar that can develop. The dental professional often will use metal instruments to scrape it away, though some now use ultrasonic scalers.
2. Avoid gum disease – This is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Brushing and flossing can help avoid it, but regular check ups with the dentist will also be needed. Professionals can identify gum disease in early stages and reduce its impact.
3. Know how you’re doing – As the dental team examines your teeth, they’ll let you know if you’re doing a good job at cleaning them or whether you need to improve on certain techniques. The hygienist will make notes at each exam and will be able to determine if there have been any major changes between visits. This can make the next visit go better, as well as continue to fend off oral complications later.
4. Early detection – Dentists know what to look for and have a better view than the normal person. A regular visit to the dentist can help with early detection of conditions like gum disease, cavities and broken fillings. When these problems are discovered quickly, they can be solved more easily and often at less expense.
5. Avoid tooth loss – Signs of decay in teeth do not always become apparent to the patient until the decay has reached an advanced stage which often results in tooth loss and can be very painful.
6. Overall health – Studies show gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Regular cleanings by dental professionals can head off gum disease before it causes other health problems.
7. Get polished – Following the professional cleaning, teeth will be polished using an abrasive material and fluoride that will remove plaque and stains from the surface of teeth.
8. Avoid pain later – If decay is not caught soon enough it can lead to painful and complicated procedures later, such as a root canal.
9. Oral cancer – A regular exam by a professional dentist will also help catch the early signs of oral cancer. Again, the earlier it is caught the better.
10. Save money – Though each visit may cost money, a dental visit for a check up can still be cheaper than procedures later on to solve problems that have developed.
Dental checkups are just as important as annual physicals at a physician’s office. Regular visits to a dentist can help a patient avoid pain, expense and complicated procedures while also maintaining their appearance and health.
Guest author Claire Atkinson writes for http://www.kanetix.ca/health-insurance
