Even if you are aware that the American Dental Association recommends dental appointments every six months for preventative care, it’s easy to get out of the habit. If you miss one visit due to the flu or a scheduling conflict and don't make a new appointment right away, it can easily snowball into a series of missed check-ups. Soon, it will be years since you’ve last had a dental cleaning!
If this sounds familiar, it's because many patients have this experience. Making an appointment today is the simplest way to get back on track with your oral health. Whether it's been a few months or several years since your last exam, we're happy to welcome you to our office. Here's why it's important to keep up with your regular dental appointments.
Oral Health Impacts Your Overall Health
It’s impossible to be in good health if your teeth and gums are in bad shape. Infection and inflammation in the gums can lead to infection and inflammation elsewhere in the body, and strong teeth allow you to eat the healthy foods your body needs to thrive. There's mounting evidence linking poor oral health to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even premature birth.
When it comes to your general health, going to the dentist every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings is just as important as getting annual physicals, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Regular Dental Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease and Decay
While brushing your teeth is a must for your oral health, the dental cleanings you receive at our office serve a different purpose. Plaque on your teeth eventually hardens into tartar, a sticky material that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Tartar is a cause of gum disease and tooth decay, so it’s important to remove it, but this can only be accomplished with the professional tools used at your dentist’s office.
After your teeth have been cleaned, your hygienist will polish them to create a smooth surface that makes it harder for new plaque and tartar deposits to form. To maintain that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling and keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Early Treatment Is Always Best
We can closely monitor your oral health with regular dental exams, allowing us to spot subtle changes in your soft tissues, gums, and teeth, often before you notice them yourself or experience any symptoms. As a result, we'll be able to identify possible oral health issues like gingivitis or weak spots in the enamel before they become more serious.
When we can restore a decayed tooth with a dental filling rather than a crown or implant, we save you time and money. However, when it comes to identifying suspicious lesions and sores during an oral cancer screening, early treatment has the potential to save your life. Early treatment, regardless of the condition, always provides the best results.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Exam
If it’s time for your biannual dental exam, contact us today at 570-287-2500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Todd.