Dental checkups are kind of like exercise. It’s one of those things that you know is good for you, but can be easy to neglect! Since your oral health is so important for living a happy, healthy life, it’s never too late to schedule with a dentist in Denton and re-commit to a healthy smile. Especially since it’s a brand new year and everyone has a fresh start! Keep reading to learn about the many ways checkups benefit you and how they can help you achieve great oral health in 2019.
Why Is Regular Dental Care So Important?
The reason checkups are so important can be summed up in one word: Prevention. Everyone can agree that it’s far better to prevent oral health problems or catch them early than spending time getting fillings, dental crowns or root canals.
And major dental work isn’t the only thing that regular checkups prevent:
- Oral cancer – You may not realize it since these screenings only take 1-2 minutes, but a dentist and hygienist are both looking at all of your soft tissues at every checkup to screen for oral cancer. As with all cancers, early detection is key.
- Gum disease – Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss? Unfortunately, it also affects your general health by increasing your risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, pregnancy complications, and even some cancers.
- Cosmetic concerns – Since a cosmetic dentist in Denton can find cavities, chips and cracks on the front teeth when they’re small, they can be treated before they become major cosmetic issues.
If you have dental insurance, don’t forget that checkups are typically covered at 80%-100%. Everyone in the family should be taking advantage of this by getting 2 checkups a year at little to no cost!
If you don’t have insurance, talk to your dentist about coming in every 9-12 months instead. While not ideal, it’s much better than going several years in between checkups.
What Else Can You Do For Great Dental Health In 2019?
Checkups are the cornerstone of dental health, but your everyday habits also matter. Here are some things you can start doing right away for a better smile:
- Your oral hygiene is crucial. And while your brushing and flossing habits don’t have to be perfect, they should be as consistent as possible.
- Minimize sugar and don’t graze or sip on anything sweet throughout the day. Frequent exposure to sugar greatly increases your risk of cavities.
- There are countless tools on the market today that can make your oral hygiene routine more effective, so it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you. Examples include electric toothbrushes at every price point, oral irrigators, interdental brushes, and fluoride mouthwashes (just to name a few).
With regular checkups and good habits at home this year, you’ll be well on your way to healthier teeth and gums – and a smile you can be proud of!
About the Author
With nearly 15 years of experience, Dr. Todd Balington is a family dentist in Denton who provides outstanding preventive care and treatment to patients of all ages. He knows how easy it can be to skip dental appointments and is always happy to help people get back on track. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, he can be contacted through his website.