Quick Summary
People often skip dental check-ups on the assumption that no pain means no problem. Even with good home hygiene you can still develop problems that need treatment: plaque and decay in hard-to-reach places create cavities, minor gingivitis can worsen into advanced periodontal disease without treatment, and a tooth's pulp can become infected and die, eventually risking tooth loss.
You may be diligent about keeping up with your yearly physical with your general physician, but you may not be as careful about seeing your family dentist as often as you should. People tend to neglect dental checkups, thinking that if their teeth aren’t hurting then there’s no reason to go to the dentist. This is untrue! Regular checkups and cleanings play an important role in your health and should not be overlooked.
The most obvious reason for every member of your family to go to your dentist is the potential medical benefits. Even if you perform proper oral hygiene routines at home, you can still develop medical problems that require intervention. Plaque and decay in hard-to-reach places may create cavities that need fillings. Gum disease can start off as minor gingivitis but worsen into advanced periodontal disease without treatment, and untreated gum disease might put you at higher risk for heart disease or diabetes. A tooth’s interior section called the pulp can become infected and die, eventually risking tooth loss. So skipping your regular dental examinations can have serious medical consequences.
In addition to protecting your health, family dentists keep your smile looking its best. Professional cleanings make your teeth brighter and healthier, and you’ll also likely end up with more self-confidence. At your dental visits, if you have concerns about the appearance of your smile, you can also get information and recommendations about cosmetic dental procedures that might improve your smile even more.
Another benefit of maintaining regular dental checkups is that it can cost you less money in the long run. If you think skipping a visit is financially smart, you’ll also be missing the opportunity to catch problems early and handle them before they reach the stage of expensive oral procedures.
It’s never the best idea to avoid dental care with your family dentist. Schedule and keep your appointments every six months for ideal oral health.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Billerica dental office!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a check-up if nothing hurts?
Yes. People tend to neglect dental check-ups on the basis that if their teeth are not hurting there is no reason to go. Even with proper oral hygiene at home you can still develop problems that require intervention, and skipping regular examinations can have serious consequences.
Is there a link between gum disease and general health?
Gum disease can start as minor gingivitis and worsen into advanced periodontal disease without treatment, and untreated gum disease might put you at higher risk for heart disease or diabetes.
Can regular visits save money?
Maintaining regular check-ups can cost you less in the long run. Skipping a visit means missing the opportunity to catch problems early and handle them before they reach the stage of expensive oral procedures.
How often should the whole family go?
Schedule and keep your appointments every six months for ideal oral health.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.