A lot of patients talk themselves out of scheduling regular checkups with their dentists, and many don’t even have a dentist to begin with. It’s alarming to think of how many people are neglecting their oral health each year, and this presents the question, why? Many Americans have questions of their own regarding the dentist office, and we would like to take a look at some of the more common questions and answers.
Why should I schedule regular checkups if I already take good care of my teeth? Isn’t it ok to go only if I have a problem?
Regular visits to see your dentist are more than just a good cleaning every now and then. It is important to keep in control of your oral health; preventing dental and periodontal diseases, and screening for oral cancers along with other health issues that may go unnoticed just by caring for your teeth on your own.
What benefits are there from regular visits to the dentist?
There are many problems that could be going on in your mouth without your notice, and seeing the dentist will aide in preventing potentially serious health problems. Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults today. If it is identified early, it will be easier to manage, and in some cases, your dentist could be able to reverse the problem. Catching this and other health problems early can also prevent unnecessary pain and extra financial costs that go along with untreated oral and health problems.
How often should I go to see the dentist?
The frequency of visits depends largely on the individual. For some patients, more frequent visits (more than twice a year) would be best to suit their needs. Others may not need to be seen quite as often. The dentist is the best person to answer this question for the patient.
It’s just my teeth that are at risk, right?
Along with care for your teeth, your dentist is able to care for your gums and identify other health problems in your mouth. There are also more than 100 diseases in other parts of your body that cause symptoms and signs in your mouth and jaw. Regular checkups enable your dentist to more easily spot health problems that could be going on in other parts of your body without your knowledge.
