Going to the Dentist: It’s More than Just a Teeth Cleaning

Keeping your pearly whites healthy and shining requires regular visits to the dentist. The average recommended frequency is twice per year, although people with no risk factors may be able to get by going once yearly, according to WebMD.

Those who have a higher risk of dental disease – smokers, diabetics, pregnant women, people with pre-existing oral conditions, and people with weak immune responses to bacterial infections – should go more frequently.

Regular checkups are important because some oral health issues aren’t detectable to the untrained eye. Other diseases may not cause discomfort until reaching advanced stages. Preemptive oral care is the key to keeping diseases and cavities from occurring.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why going to the dentist is so important, as well as some proactive steps you can take to maintain your oral health. You may be surprised to learn that even a simple checkup has benefits that go beyond a glimmering grin.

Preventative Checkups

Even if you’re just going in for a cleaning, there’s more going on than you probably realize. Your dentist is also actively examining your mouth for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other mouth-related health problems. The dentist may also take and examine X-rays to further explore the current state of your oral health.

Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

Far too often, people view a visit as more of a luxury than a necessity. The reality is that visiting your dentist is just as important as seeing any other healthcare provider. After all, your mouth is part of your body, and oral health issues can lead to other mental and physical problems.

For example, according to The New York Times, gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Mayo Clinic states that oral health problems can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing health condition, you may require dental checkups as a part of your overall personal health regimen. Some common health problems that can affect your oral health include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Eating disorders
• Neck and head cancers
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren’s syndrome

If you have any of the conditions above, it’s important that you speak with your primary physician as well as your dentist.

Your Dentist Is a Valuable Resource

Dental care doesn’t end when you leave the office. It’s an ongoing process that requires daily maintenance. Your dentist can provide useful information that’s catered to you.

For example, you could ask a dentist to recommend an ideal brand and type of toothpaste for your needs. You could also request advice on brushing and flossing techniques, planning a diet that promotes oral health, and keeping your teeth white.

In some cases, your primary dentist may be able to recommend other healthcare professionals. If you have kids, especially if your children have special needs, your dentist may know of a reputable pediatric dentist in your area. If your child has special needs, you can inquire about local dental anesthesiologists, dentists who specialize in sedation dentistry for children with special needs.

Peace of Mind

It’s important to have regular checkups with your dentist, simply because it relieves any stress that you may be experiencing due to the unknown. It’s a comforting feeling to know that your body is healthy, and that includes your mouth. Stressful feelings can manifest in many ways, and they can even lead to serious physical problems.

A Positive Self-Image

When you look good, you feel good too. Your smile is often one of the first features that people notice, so it simply makes sense to keep your teeth and gums looking as healthy as possible.

Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis keeps you on track, encouraging you to continue maintaining your teeth on your own time. Whitening and straightening procedures can really help to boost your self-confidence, which is going to improve your quality of life significantly.

Save Money

Visiting the dentist regularly is going to save you money eventually. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease means you won’t have to spend money on more expensive procedures such as fillings, crowns, or even dentures. Your teeth could potentially stay healthy for your entire life, but it’s up to you to stay current on your dental visits. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

Maintaining Your Oral Health

Between dental visits, it’s essential that you take steps to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Here are dentist-approved oral hygiene practices that you can adopt today:

• Floss every day
  Forgetting to floss is a common mistake. Flossing is important because it removes the layers of plaque that build up when food gets stuck in between your teeth. The germs in the plaque create acid, which can cause gingivitis.

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily
  Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for most dentists because it helps to prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Talk to your dentist before giving children under the age of six fluoridated toothpaste. Seek out toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

• Clean your tongue
  Use either a tongue cleaner or a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your tongue when you brush your teeth. Start from the back of your tongue, and clean towards the front.

• Improve your diet
  Try to consume less sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda, and eat more fruits and veggies. Some foods and drinks that promote oral health include tea, raisins, cheese, apples, carrots, leafy greens, eggs, fish, almonds, milk, cranberries, and sugarless gum. Try to minimize snacking between meals.

• Buy a new toothbrush
  You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles become frayed.

• Avoid tobacco
  Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, dip, pipe tobacco, and other tobacco products can lead to serious oral complications. They also stain your teeth.

• Be proactive
  If you experience any oral symptoms, don’t wait to see your dentist. If you notice any visual signs or pain, you could have a condition that’s becoming more advanced. Fast treatment is the key to successful results, so don’t wait to book an appointment.

Book an Appointment Today

As you can see, there’s a whole lot more to visiting the dentist than just getting your teeth cleaned up and looking spiffy. It’s integral to your overall physical and mental health. If it’s been more than six months since your last appointment, consider scheduling some quality time with your friendly local dentist. If nothing else, you’ll probably find yourself smiling more often.