Many people find a reason to skip out on their dental checkups. Whether it’s a fear of the dentist, saving money, or just simply being too busy, there is no excuse that is good enough when it comes to not caring for your pearly whites and gums. By neglecting to tend to your oral health, you are putting your mouth at risk for some serious issues. So, need some more motivation to get that dental cleaning in? Here are three important reasons that are sure to get you to call your dentist for an appointment!
Reason 1: Tooth Decay is More Likely to Occur
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of adults over the age of 20 have had a cavity. While they are perfectly preventable, it is obviously the most common oral health issue. A cavity occurs when the hard outer layer of the tooth starts to decay. Initially, the hold will be very tiny and not cause much pain so it may go unnoticed. However, if the decay goes untreated, the cavity will grow larger, causing the bacteria in your mouth to penetrate the inner layers of the tooth and infect the nerve. This is when a dreaded toothache occurs! If it gets to this point, you may need to get root canal therapy or, in extreme cases, a tooth extraction.
The good news is that small cavities can be easily detected during a dental checkup, and your dentist can quickly remove the decay and repair the tooth with a filling. It’s always best to catch it before it gets worse and costs you time and money!
Reason 2: Gum Disease Can Catch You by Surprise
What do you think of when “oral health” is mentioned? Many people just think of their teeth but they are not the only things in your mouth that you need to be concerned about. Your oral health also includes your gums. It’s estimated that nearly half (46%) of Americans have some stage of gum disease. This infection occurs when bacteria accumulate on the gum line and the tissue starts to become red and inflamed. While the initial inflammation may be relatively mild, eventually the bacteria can destroy the tissue connecting the roots of the teeth to the gums, leading to tooth loss.
Gum disease is also linked to other health issues, such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Luckily, your dentist can offer treatment to stop gum disease in its tracks before it progresses further!
Reason 3: Your Wallet May Take a Hit
While you may think it financially profitable to skip your dental appointments, it could actually be a very costly decision in the end. Having a few extra bucks in your pocket may be temporary if you don’t tend to your oral health. As stated above, tooth decay and gum disease can both be easily dealt with in their earliest stages, but as they advance, they will typically require more complex treatments. And these procedures will generally carry a higher cost. So, if your finances are a deciding factor in your dental visits, it’s best to seek preventive care. It will save you more at the end of the day!
As the old adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By maintaining your biannual checkups and cleanings and your daily oral hygiene routine, you can stay clear of dental health issues and keep your smile whole and healthy for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baldelli and his team at Newport Dental Associates are eager to help you keep your teeth and gums in their best condition. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. By providing an array of services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care, he can assist you with any of your oral health needs. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (401) 847-7662.