A recent survey has illuminated a disturbing oral hygiene trend. It found that up to one-third of Americans have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months, meaning they are at serious risk of tooth decay, gum disease or even fatal conditions such as cancer, heart attack or stroke.
Nobody likes to go the dentist, but oral health isn’t just about maintaining a pretty smile. Regular checkups can save you money and save your teeth.
1. Professional deep cleanings remove plaque and bacteria
Many people believe that brushing and flossing twice a day is all that is needed to remove germs from their teeth and gums, but it’s not enough to prevent bacteria and hardened plaque from accumulating over time in hard-to-reach places. Only a dentist or dental hygienist with proper procedures and instruments can eliminate these unwanted elements from your mouth.
2. Checkups prevent serious dental issues down the road
A filling costs a lot less than a root canal. It’s significantly less painful, too. Waiting until you’re in pain to visit the dentist is a recipe for a sticker-shock inducing bill and an unnecessarily unpleasant experience. Nipping small issues in the bud prevents serious problems from arising in the future.
3. Checkups help prevent oral cancer, diabetes and heart disease
Bi-annual dental checkups help you avoid oral cancer. Dentists are trained to recognize oral abnormalities that may be a sign of cancer. They can see the symptoms that you can’t.
Evidence linking periodontal ailments to heart disease, diabetes and stroke is mounting, too. Sore, swollen gums create an inflammation that has the potential to disrupt your entire cardiovascular system. The mouth is a breeding ground for toxins & bacteria and soft gum tissue (particularly when inflamed) is likely to rupture and introduce these poisons into your blood stream-poisons that can cause significant damage to blood vessels throughout your body including in your heart.
4. Checkups help you control bad habits
From crunching ice to biting your nails, grinding your teeth and more, there are a host of bad habits that can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Your checkup is a chance for your dentist to advise you on improving your regimes, helping you become healthier and happier in the long run.
5. It feels good!
While it’s easy to procrastinate, you’ll be glad you made an appointment once you pop out of the chair. A good cleaning not only leaves your mouth feeling fresh and your pearly whites looking, well, white, but it also feels good and helps you build confidence.
For award-winning dental care for the whole family, visit Ocean Dental at 167 Avenue at the Common, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, or call 732–935–0905 or visit oceandentalnj.com for more information.
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