4 Reasons to See Your Dentist to Avoid Serious Oral Health Problems

You might think visiting the dentist’s office isn’t all that important. After all, you don’t see any cavities or feel any pain, so why bother? This is the unfortunate mentality of many individuals, and as a result, underlying dental conditions worsen over time. If you want to understand the importance of early detection of oral health problems more clearly, here are four reasons you should plan to visit your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile.

#1 – Identifying Potential Harmful (and Fatal) Health Conditions

Cavities and gum disease are two of the most common oral health problems seen by dentists. Not only can you suffer bone and tooth loss, but you may also develop heart disease, cognitive decline, poor gut health, and more. Heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s can occur if you refuse to practice good oral hygiene. Also, forgoing regular dental visits can increase your risk for oral cancer. And because this disease typically requires early detection to beat successfully, you shouldn’t take a chance on bypassing what could be a life-saving appointment.

#2 – Refining Your Oral Hygiene Skills

Your dentist is your ally in the fight against tooth decay and other serious dental issues, which is why visiting them every six months can benefit you both in the office and at home. Apart from your normal dental checkups and cleanings, your dental team will provide helpful tips to improve your oral hygiene routine at home. Whether it’s how to brush/floss correctly or identifying products that will lend better results, your dentist wants to help you achieve a healthier smile.

#3 – Saving Money in the Long Run

Preventive dentistry is often considered one of the greatest money-saving opportunities when visiting the dentist. The reason is that if you have dental insurance, you can expect your plan to cover most if not all of the cost. Why? Not only does preventive care reduce your risk for more complex procedures, but it also minimizes the cost associated with treatments designed to address dental decay, gum disease, and poorly aligned bites – all of which can add up quickly over time.

#4 – Reducing Time in the Dentist’s Chair

If you’re the type of person who prefers to see the dentist twice a year, no more, no less, then you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping your appointments. Seeing your dental professional for regular checkups and cleanings will put you at an advantage when it comes to reducing your time spent in the dentist’s chair. However, if you opt to skip a visit here and there, you’ll likely find yourself coming in more often than you prefer, especially if it’s to treat a cavity, infection, or damage.

Whether it is saving time and money or a desire to maintain a healthier smile, your motivation for visiting the dentist can help them to identify problems early on and ultimately benefit your mouth and body.

About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld and his team at East Islip Dental Care want to help you achieve optimal oral health, which means providing insightful tips and information to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene at home. In addition to regular visits, our team can minimize the risk of serious problems with the help of early detection. Visit our website or call (631) 581-8600 to find out how we can help.