Why Are Routine Dental Visits Important?
Making routine visits to your Newbury Park, CA dentist is an important part of your overall oral health plan. Unfortunately, many neglect routine visits and only see their dentist when they notice something is wrong. By this point, many problems have already taken hold and will be tougher to cure. Routine dental visits can help you maintain pristine oral health.
Why Routine Checkups Are Important
Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to a number of other health issues, including
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Bone Loss
Professional checkups and cleanings will help keep your mouth healthy, hopefully preventing more serious complications. Catching problems in their early stages could be critical in terms of treatments.
Routine checkups are an important step in preventing gum disease, which if left untreated could lead to tooth decay or tooth loss. Gum disease also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Gum disease can quickly accelerate, and bacteria can rapidly spread from your gums to your teeth.
Additionally, one American dies each hour from oral cancer. If detected in their earlier stages, oral cancers tend to be treatable. But without routine checkups, cancer may not be detected until it has already spread to other parts of the body, making treatment much more painful, expensive, and difficult.
Routine dental cleanings can also remove plaque and stains, keeping your smile bright. A healthy smile can lead to improved confidence and a better quality of life.
How Often Should You Visit?
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist twice a year, approximately every six months. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Many insurance plans provide coverage for routine cleanings, so cost should not be a major factor in your decision.
It’s also important to remember that dental checkups cannot be the extent of your oral hygiene. In between visits, you should keep up with your dentist’s recommended hygiene practices. Gently brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss daily. Doing both of those every day can make your next visit to the dentist an easy one. There’s no better way to keep your mouth healthy or your dentist happy!