Americans are putting off going to the dentist because of the pandemic. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry.
Visiting the dentist is perfectly safe and policies and protocols are in place to ensure patient safety.
The reality is, putting off going to the dentist can lead to serious health issues.
Going to the dentist for a regular dental check up is critical for your health. Keep reading for the top 7 reasons why you should schedule your next dental check up today.
1. Cleaner Teeth
Even if you practice good oral hygiene at home, you won’t be able to get your teeth as clean as your dentist can.
Plaque and tartar often build up in places you simply can’t reach. Dentists and their teams have the tools and expertise to deep clean your teeth.
When you keep your teeth clean, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Dentists can spot this problem early and prevent tooth decay from becoming a much bigger problem. Your dentist can also identify the early signs of gum disease and take action to keep the issue at bay.
2. Protect Dental Work
If you’ve had dental work done in the past, scheduling a regular dental check up can help you protect that investment. Dental work isn’t cheap, so the last thing you want to do is have it redone.
Your teeth, gums, and bones all work together to support your dental work. Ensuring they stay healthy protects your dental work and reduces the chances of needing further work.
3. Get a Whiter Smile
Have you been longing for a whiter smile? You can save money on whitening treatments by simply scheduling a regular dental check up and cleaning.
During a dental check up, your dentist will clean your teeth and get rid of plaque and tartar, which are often responsible for teeth’s yellow appearance.
With cleaner teeth, your smile will appear whiter. You’ll feel confident that your teeth are cleaner – and it will show.
4. Build Better Habits
When you visit the dentist regularly, you set yourself up to continue healthy habits at home. In a stressful and busy time, we often forget about the importance of practicing good oral hygiene at home. While visiting the dentist for regular dental check ups is important, it’s not enough.
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is necessary to keep your mouth in the best possible shape.
What can you do at home to protect your oral health? Good question! These healthy habits can help keep your smile healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Use mouthwash
- Replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months
- Avoid using tobacco
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Eat a healthy diet
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Floss every day
Not only will visiting your dentist for a dental check up give you the tools you need to practice good oral hygiene at home, but your dentist will help you identify any bad habits that might be causing you problems. Bad habits like grinding your teeth or biting your nails can have consequences for your oral health.
Your dentist will help you identify these issues before they become bigger problems and advise you on how to care for your teeth properly.
5. Set a Good Example
Remember the saying, “Monkey See, Monkey Do?” It turns out there’s a lot of truth to the old adage, especially when it comes to our kids.
Kids are more likely to do what they see us do, rather than what we tell them to do. The behavior we model is very influential to our children. In fact, our kids will learn lifetime habits from watching what we do – for better or worse.
One of the best lifelong habits you can promote in your children is a dedication to practicing good oral hygiene. Schedule regular dental check ups for kids as well as yourself.
Practice good oral hygiene at home and encourage your children to do the same. Being a good role model will help your children grow into healthy adults.
6. Save Money
Some people skip their regular dental check ups because they want to save money. Unfortunately, putting off regular dental appointments can actually cost you more in the long run.
This is because with many dental problems, the longer you wait the worse the problem becomes. Simple procedures are often inexpensive, but if you wait until the problem becomes larger, you may need more expensive treatments.
7. Protect Your Overall Health
When you think of going to the dentist, you probably mostly think of keeping your teeth clean. The truth is, your oral health is a window to your overall health.
Most people don’t realize how connected your mouth, teeth, and gums are to your overall health. For example, your oral health can often provide valuable clues about your overall health. When you visit the dentist for a regular dental checkup, your dentist will look for clues that may signal issues with your overall health.
A number of different medical conditions with serious consequences have been linked to oral health.
It’s important to remember that our mouths are full of bacteria. Our mouths are also an entry point to the rest of our bodies, including our digestive and respiratory tracts. Scheduling a regular dental checkup can help keep these bacteria under control and prevent oral infections from spreading to other parts of your body.
Are You Due for a Dental Check Up?
If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because of the pandemic, now is the time to schedule an appointment.
Dental offices are considered low risk and are one of the cleanest places you can be.
As we begin the new year, one of the best resolutions you can make is to prioritize your dental care. Protecting your oral health means protecting your overall health.
The first step is to schedule a dental check up. Click here to book a Webster Groves dental check up with our team today.