Did you know that 64.9% of people aged 18 or older visited a dentist’s office in 2019? That’s just over half, and it seems like more adults need to go. If you’ve not been to the dentist within the last year, there’s no better time than the present to make an appointment Take a look at these four reasons why you should schedule your next regular cleaning and exam at the dentist as soon as possible.
Prevention of Dental Problems and Protection of Health
Of course, the number one reason to visit the dentist regularly is to avoid health problems and other issues with your teeth, gums, and tongue. If you go to the dentist every six months as recommended, it will help to prevent cavities. Not only is a cavity uncomfortable, but it’s irreversible after it happens. You will have to get a permanent filling, and chances are, the tooth with the hole in it will require further attention down the road.
Another common problem that you can avoid through regular checkups is gingivitis. Gingivitis is swelling, inflammation, and redness of the gums. While not a critical health issue, it can turn into periodontitis or gum disease if it spreads to the bone and tissue under the gums. That’s when tooth loss can occur, so it’s best to treat gingivitis as soon as it’s identified.
Get a Self-Esteem Boost
If you’ve been to the dentist in your adult life, you’ve likely gotten the feeling after leaving the office of greater self-esteem and confidence. There’s something about knowing your teeth are clean and well taken care of that makes you happier, and you can’t seem to stop smiling. In addition, by talking with a licensed and educated dental professional, you will have all the information you need about whether or not you require additional care for things that might be more cosmetic. Sometimes, bleaching or teeth whitening is available and recommended. If you’ve been self-conscious about the color of your teeth, it’s a great way to instantly make yourself feel a whole lot better.
Another solution to issues with confidence concerning your teeth is getting braces. While this is common for kids in their teenage years, getting braces, or the more modern option of Invisalign, is something more and more adults are doing. It’s proven to make kids feel better about themselves, with 22% more confident after having metal braces and 47% getting that boost in self-esteem with the Invisalign option.
Protect Your Overall Health
According to experts, there’s a huge impact on your overall health in relation to your dental health, making it even more important to visit a dentist regularly. Studies show that poor dental health can lead to problems with the liver, heart, and even the brain. By keeping your oral health in check, you lower your risk for things like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
Keep an Eye on Previous Dental Work
If you’ve had previous dental work, regular visits will ensure that everything is still where it should be. When a problem arises, it can be fixed before it becomes a more serious complication. Dentists recommend visiting every six months for a checkup, so do your best to stay on top of your appointments.
Don’t wait until your teeth and mouth bother you, hurt, or are causing complications to see a dentist. It would help if you did it regularly as a preventive to keep your health in check. If you don’t have a regular dentist, ask friends, family members, or someone you trust for a recommendation. It’s like there’s a reputable professional in your area. Make an appointment today.
