Source: American Dental Association – Oral Health and Well-Being in the United States
In this post, we will tackle why most patients are hesitant to go to the dentist and the health and financial benefits they miss out on by doing so. We also provided some tips so you can develop a habit out of your regular dental checkups.
5 reasons why you must visit your dentist every 6 months
Most of the time, patients only remember to visit their dentist when they experience pain and discomfort. But beyond the pain, there are more complex reasons why you should visit your dentist as frequently as possible:
- Brushing and flossing can only clean so much. It takes at least 6 months to a few years for tooth decay to develop due to plaque. Plaque is an invisible sticky film that clings to our teeth and gums. It can be hard to remove with brushing alone, especially if it turned into tartar.Tartar is the white hardened clump of bacteria on your teeth that only a dentist or a dental hygienist can clean using a mechanical dental tool. If the tartar stays on your teeth, you will end up developing tooth decay or the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis.
- Dental benefits can provide you with more savings if used early and frequently. Dental cost is the top reason why patients fail to visit their dentist, according to a survey conducted by ADA. Though some treatments can be expensive, there are still various ways for you to finance your dental treatments.If you have a dental benefits plan from your employer, you can save on preventive care with full coverage and 50% coverage for fillings. It also pays to use your dental benefits plan early so you can outsmart the frequency limitations set by most dental insurance providers.Dental insurance policies expire by the end of the year, so using your dental benefits every six months can save not only your teeth but also your pocket.
- The first stage of tooth decay can still be reversible. Tooth decay doesn’t develop overnight. It takes a gradual process for the bacteria to tear down your tooth enamel before infiltrating the tooth and causing visible cavities. The first stage of tooth decay is demineralization of the enamel, which is the white spots on your teeth.If detected early, you can replenish the lost minerals on the enamel and prevent the progression of tooth decay. Your dentist can help you pinpoint the teeth that you can still save and repair by demineralization.
- Mild and non-painful tooth decay can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. No matter how much you brush, tooth decay that gets through your enamel is already irreversible. Tooth decay can only worsen over time and should be filled with dental fillings as soon as possible.If left untreated, tooth decay will progress to tooth pulp decay which can lead to two crucial treatments. Either you get a root canal treatment which is more expensive or a tooth extraction that can cost you your natural tooth.
- Gum disease is a silent killer. Gum disease is the chronic inflammation of the gums that leads to tooth and bone loss. It is linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and can cause life-threatening conditions like stroke and sepsis.The tricky part with gum disease is it can start anytime and without causing pain and only shows symptoms when it has become severe.
Stay ahead of disease-causing bacteria and save on dental costs by scheduling an appointment now
Most patients only realize the value of oral health when they are already experiencing the perils of dental problems. We hope that you will not become one of them. Let our dental team help you get started with your annual dental checkup.
Soft Touch Dental provides comprehensive dental services in Florissant, MO. Time is our greatest treasure. So, use it wisely by having preventive dental care that your future self will thank you for. Schedule your treatment now and let our team take care of your oral health.