Have you ever known someone who just kept putting off taking their car in for an oil change until one day the vehicle broke down on the side of the highway? Hopefully, that “someone” wasn’t you, but it can be so easy to keep saying “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”
The beauty of being proactive is that you get out in front of trouble before it really starts brewing. This is the benefit of preventive dentistry for your teeth and gums. Keep reading to learn why early detection of oral health problems can make your life so much easier.
Regain Control of Your Social Life
Oral health issues like bad breath, discolored teeth, or a crooked smile can cause low self-esteem that leads to depression. Sometimes, all it takes is a dental visit to turn the ship around and get the issue that’s weighing on you corrected. Your dentist recommends two visits each year for a cleaning and examination. Only two days are required to make a significant difference for the other 363.
Your Dentist Is There to Answer Questions and Offer Advice
Do you ever go to the store and vaguely know what you need but not exactly, so you just pick something with no sound reasoning behind it? You don’t have to do that when buying oral hygiene products. The packaging on all products is going to tell you they’ll work great. Instead, talk to your dentist about what you are interested in purchasing and see what informed suggestions they have.
A Little Money Up Front Can Save a Ton on the Backend
Many people avoid going to the dentist because they want to save money. However, if you develop a serious condition that could’ve otherwise been prevented, you’re going to spend more money in the big picture than for the years you skipped the checkups. A handful of preventive appointments cost less than the extraction and replacement of several teeth. Not to mention much less pain and frustration with the way things turned out.
Assessments Can Spotlight Life-Threatening Problems
People often make the mistake of thinking that daily brushing and flossing alone will keep their teeth in good standing. As important as these actions are, your teeth require a dentist to periodically perform a thorough checkup and diagnose any developing problems. Poor oral health can lead to serious infections like gum disease that have been linked to strokes, heart attacks, and oral cancer. You don’t want to be a statistic among those who sought help when it was too late.
Dental checkups and cleanings only require a minimal investment of your time and money, but they can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It’s always the right time to get that appointment locked in on your calendar to make sure your teeth are doing terrific now and stay that way.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Martin earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University in Washington D.C., graduating second in his class. A member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Martin says that his primary concern with each patient is their comfort and understanding of his exam findings and treatment recommendations. He welcomes your questions. To schedule that first question-and-answer session, along with a cleaning and exam, visit his website or call (817) 481-1041.