Not everyone goes to the dentist like they should, and many children and families haven’t seen a dentist in years, which can lead to significant health issues. Having good oral health is critical to helping with managing your overall health.
Here are the Top Ten Reasons for Getting Your Smile in Good Shape:
1. To Prevent Oral Cancer: According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.
2. To Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.
3. To Maintain Overall Good Physical Health: Studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every six months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
4. To Keep your Teeth: Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.
5. To Detect Dental Problems Early: Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.
6. To Maintain Good Oral Health: Your dentist can help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check-ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene, your dental hygienist can help put you back on the right path.
7. To Use Your Dental Plan: Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check-ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene. If you can’t afford insurance, get a discount dental plan for a few dollars a month, and you will pay a vastly reduced cost for the procedures. Even if the cleaning isn’t free, it’s cheap with a discount plan. It is more expensive later on if you don’t take care of these preventive items up front.
8. To Create a Plan for Treatment: If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan should have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that you can discuss financial arrangements with the front office.
9. To Have a White, Bright Smile: Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist can also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile!
10. To Prevent Bad Breath: Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check-ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
Having a great smile may open more doors for you, but it also helps keep you healthy once you get inside. Preventive dental work is essential for your health, and your teeth and gums will thank you for it over and over. Make the most of your smile. It’s the only one you have.