We know visiting the dentist’s office is not anyone’s favorite thing, but regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining oral health. Most people put off going to the dentist because of dental anxiety or lack of insurance coverage, or maybe they’ve moved to a new area and don’t have a dentist they trust, or they’ve just got a busy schedule and can’t keep up with routine visits. Before you know it, it’s been 2, 3, 5, or even ten years since you’ve seen a dentist!
Why are Regular Dental Visits Essential?
Preventing oral health issues means more than brushing and flossing. To have good oral hygiene, it’s essential for a regular checkup and teeth cleaning at the dentist.
- Detect dental problems early when they’re less costly to treat: When it comes to your oral health, it’s important to be proactive and see your dentist regularly so that they can catch any issues early, like the onset of periodontal disease, signs of oral cancer, and dental decay, before they become a problem. These conditions can be treated and even reversed when caught early, and you can avoid more costly and invasive dental procedures later.
- Build a trusting relationship with your dentist: By visiting your dentist regularly, you can build a good relationship that will allow them to tailor advice and support specific to your needs over a long time.
- Opportunity to talk through any concerns about your smile: There isn’t anyone better to help you keep on top of your oral health than your dentist, so they should be your first port of call regarding concerns about your teeth and mouth. Your dentist will always advise you on any changes you can make to keep your teeth in tip-top condition during your comprehensive exam.
What Builds Up on Your Teeth?
When you don’t visit the dentist regularly, plaque (a thin, sticky, yellow film that coats your teeth) begins to develop. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can destroy enamel and cause tooth decay. With time, plaque hardens into tartar, which often forms below and above the gum line, and can cause receding gums and gum disease. Once tartar forms, you can’t remove it by brushing or flossing – the only way to get rid of tartar is using special tools in the dentist’s office.
The good news is if you keep your dentist appointment every six months, your dental cleanings are faster, easy, and effective at keeping plaque and tartar at bay.
How Long Can You Not Go to The Dentist
Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need regular checkups and a dental cleaning every six months. However, people with a higher risk of dental diseases like smokers, people with diabetes, pregnant women, those with a weak immune response, or gum disease need to see the dentist more frequently.
Is It Too Late to Improve My Dental Health?
No matter how long it’s been since your last dental exam, it’s never too late to get back in the chair. At Honest Care Dental, we provide kind, gentle, and judgment-free dentistry, and we believe all that matters is that you’re here now. When you come to our Salem, NH, practice, Dr. McMillan and our passionate and professional staff will treat you with the utmost respect and courtesy. Our job is to evaluate where your teeth are, provide the necessary dental treatment, and help you get back on the road to good dental health.
Contact Us Today to Schedule an Appointment!
The dental professionals at Honest Care Dental are happy to help you get back on track toward a healthy smile. You have nothing to fear, and we assure you that no one at our office will pass judgment on you. Our goal is that you’ll leave our office feeling good about the care you received. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!