Who doesn’t have a busy schedule these days? It is easy to think you can skip that next dental appointment with your Saugus dental professionals and save some time. It is even easier to consider skipping appointments when you deal with any level of dental anxiety. You may think you are saving lots of time by missing a routine appointment with your Saugus dentist. The truth is, it can cost you a lot more in the long run. A lot!
Generally, you need to see your Saugus dental professional two to three times per year for regular checkups and cleanings. This can help prevent numerous other problems you may not think about until they appear. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons you need to keep your routine dental appointments.
Win the Battle Against Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
Even when you diligently brush and floss your teeth, areas of the mouth can be missed. Those little areas provide the perfect place for plaque to build up. Once it has solidified, it turns to tartar and it’s difficult to remove without help from a professional. Regular dental cleanings by your Saugus dentist help prevent tartar from eroding the teeth and causing cavities. Cavities don’t usually appear without any warning signs. Regular cleanings can get rid of plaque and tartar before they become destructive. A dental cleaning is less expensive than a filling. So, you don’t want to miss your appointment!
Keep Bad Habits in Check
When you have poor oral habits, your oral health is negatively impacted. Sometimes, you may not even realize your bad habits are causing you issues, or potential problems. Clenching your jaw, chewing ice, grinding your teeth, and biting your nails are just a few examples. If you eat hard, sticky sweets, drink too much wine or caffeinated drinks, or brush your teeth incorrectly, you may be harming your teeth and risking your oral health. During regular checkups with your Saugus dentist, your mouth is examined for any damage caused by unhealthy habits. You may not realize they are causing your damage. Routine visits help keep your oral health in the best shape possible.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gingivitis is often the first sign of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bleeding and swelling gums. If the dentist catches gingivitis early enough it is treatable and curable. However, if it is allowed to progress, it becomes periodontitis and can result in the loss of teeth or bone. This can be painful and uncomfortable. In advanced stages, gum disease requires intensive treatment and oftentimes surgery to correct. Keeping your routine six-month checkups with your Saugus dentist can help detect gum disease in its early stages while it is easily treatable.
Oral Cancer Screening
At routine exams, dentists perform screenings to determine if you are showing any signs of oral cancer. If they notice symptoms, you may be referred to a specialist. When it is caught early enough, the progression of the disease is easier to stop. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it is to treat.
Avoid other Health Problems
There is a strong link between your oral hygiene habits and your overall well-being. Your teeth influence most other systems in your body including the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and circulatory systems. Many serious diseases begin in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene habits can allow a buildup of bacteria that can make its way into other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Making sure your teeth are well cared for can help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. By reducing the risk of inflammation and infection, you decrease your risk for developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Schedule Your Visit with Your Saugus Dentist
A trip to the dentist every six months can save you money, time, and your teeth. Checkups with Dr. Petinge ensure your teeth, gums, and mouth are in good shape and that you are not at risk for serious oral health problems. Contact us today to schedule your next exam.
