Obtaining a bright healthy smile requires dedication & a considerable commitment of time to periodic dental appointments and self-care such as regular brushing/flossing. Although these activities are very important to an individual’s ability to have a good oral health, they do not address all problems; therefore, it is important to make sure you schedule your dental appointments with dental professionals who can perform a full examination of your teeth and gums to provide you with the necessary treatment(s) to ensure you keep your teeth and gums healthy over time. In this article we discuss why making routine visits to the dentist (to have your teeth cleaned & examined) are more than just a formality; they are the foundation upon which you build a healthy smile for the rest of your life!
2. Early Dental problem discovery.
Regular checkups help facilitate the discovery of dental problems early on. Many issues arise without any pain or discomfort, and during a dental examination a dentist will be able to find:
- Small cavities.
- Gingivitis.
- Cancer of the mouth.
- Wear issues from clenching on teeth as well as teeth being out of alignment.
By discovering dental problems earlier, treatment options will be easier, less invasive, and can be less expensive. For example if a dentist finds a cavity that is smaller in size, the dentist can treat it with a filling. If a dentist waits to treat a larger cavity, more extensive treatment (example: root canal or crown) will be required.
2. Preventive Care Saves Money
Most patients think of skipping their regular dental appointments as a means of saving money; however, doing so can wind up costing them significantly more money in the long run because of the need for more costly dental procedures once an issue has already progressed. Preventive care at the Centre for Smile consists of:
- Professional cleanings to eliminate plaque and calculus build-up
- Fluoride treatments to can strengthen dentin (tooth structure)
- Dental sealants works as a barrier and additional defense against cavities
- Minor dental problems treated early/interventionally
Patients will save a significant amount of money on future dental costs (i.e., root canal, crown prep, gum surgery, etc.) by investing in preventive dental care and should therefore perceive it as being wise financially as well as from a health standpoint.
3. Maintaining Healthy Gums
On older adults, the number one reason is due to gingivitis or gum disease for the majority of adult tooth loss. Most people diagnosed with gingivitis have had a previous “silent” case of gingivitis (undetected until diagnosis).
According to the CDC, close to 30% of adults, 30 years of age or older, have some form of gingivitis. As stated above, if gingivitis goes untreated, the development of periodontal disease (aka Periodontitis) will occur. The reasons for gum disease are poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, of diabetes, and lack of good nutrition.
There are some things that will help you keep your teeth as long as possible, such as: having good daily oral hygiene, going to the dentist every year for an oral check-up, and getting advice from your dentist about taking care of your teeth.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
Catch oral cancer in its earliest stages before it develops into a potentially fatal disease by having regular check ups at the dentist. A thorough examination of your mouth will be performed by your dentist to look for any signs of oral cancer. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the more likely it is that you will be treated successfully.
Screening for oral cancer is also valuable, regardless of whether or not you currently have any signs or symptoms of oral cancer. In many cases, people with oral cancer will not have any visible signs of the disease until it has progressed to a much further advanced stage than the earlier stages of the disease. Therefore, these patients must be screened for oral cancer even in the absence of visible signs or symptoms.
5. Personalized Oral Health Advice
Every individual has unique needs for their dental well-being; therefore, your dental specialist will give you a written plan specifically designed to assist you in maintaining proper oral hygiene following your scheduled dental visits. Your dental professional will evaluate your mouth at your routine visit, and provide you with individualized recommendations on: how to maintain the health of your mouth by properly brushing and flossing; which products to utilize when cleaning your mouth; what dietary and/or lifestyle changes you can make to improve your oral health; additional preventative measures you may need if you are at risk of developing cavities or gum disease; With the provision of personalised guidance, individuals can prevent dental problems before they develop and therefore be able to resolve those issues themselves based on the knowledge and experience gained from their dentist.
6. Keeping Your Smile Looking Its Best
Checkups at the dentist’s office are not only for medical reasons but also for aesthetic ones. Regular cleaning of teeth, stain removal, polishing, etc., all contribute to someone’s physical appearance. The dentist may also have recommendations for cosmetic procedures including teeth whitening, teeth straightening, and minor cosmetic repairs to help keep someone confident and looking good.
Having a healthy smile does not only have a cosmetic benefit; it positively impacts confidence, enhances social interaction, and contributes to overall mental well being..
7. Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Dentist
An established family dentist allows for an engineer’s optimal dentistry experience through the connection of trust and familiarity.
The result of this connection allows for many beneficial outcomes and will provide your family and dentist with numerous years of patience while building a strong relationship between both parties as well as providing high-quality long-term oral health care.
By being knowledgeable about your dental history, preferences and how you live your life, a dentist can create a plan of dental treatment that is individualized to meet your specific care needs.
Many people find going to the “Dentist” an inconvenience but going often prevents the additional costs of major dental work in the future along with providing early detection of cavities, gum disease or cancer of the mouth, thus allowing for faster treatment and a healthier body overall by having regular visits with your dentist, at which time you can receive advice on good oral hygiene practices.
If you are concerned about your mouth health or how your mouth looks affects how others view you as well as how you view yourself, it’s important to visit the dentist on a consistent basis.
At Centre For Smile Dental Clinic, we strongly encourage you to see your dentist every six months for routine care to help you maintain a healthy smile for life! Don’t wait until you have problems with your teeth, or don’t wait for your dentist to call you – contact us at 097846 83694 to set up your next appointment today!
