Everyone knows that regular dental visits are important, but their benefits go far beyond simply preventing cavities. Here are some of the reasons you should make your routine dental visits a priority.

Your Oral Health Is Linked to Your Overall Health

When your mouth is unhealthy, it impacts your entire body. In particular, research has shown that gum disease is closely linked to cardiovascular issues and diabetes. It’s believed that the inflammation caused by gum disease may increase levels of inflammation in other parts of the body. The best ways to prevent gum disease are to brush well, floss daily, and get professional dental cleanings every six months to remove the plaque and tartar that cause periodontitis.

Because all of the systems of your body are interconnected, there are some diseases that may manifest in the mouth even before you experience other symptoms. Diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms in the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth. Dentists can’t diagnose or treat these conditions, but we can identify abnormalities during your regular dental exams and refer you to a specialist for diagnosis. Oral cancer, too, is often identified by dentists during routine exams.

Preventive Care Is Less Expensive Than Restorative Care

You’ve probably heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s true for many things in life and it’s especially applicable when it comes to dental care. Visit the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings and you’ll prevent the need for restorative treatments that cost more money and take more time. Restorative treatments like crowns, dental implants, bridges, and fillings are effective ways to restore damaged teeth, but it’s easier to prevent the need for such treatments in the first place.

Your Dental Appointments Will Be Easier

If you practice good oral hygiene habits at home and visit the dentist every six months, your dental cleanings will be a breeze. When patients don’t visit the dentist regularly, they come to dread dental cleanings because they anticipate that they’ll be uncomfortable and take a long time. The more often you have your teeth cleaned, the easier your appointments will be because you simply won’t have as much plaque, tartar, and stains to remove.

At each dental cleaning, your teeth are polished, which creates a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate. This is another way in which regular dental visits can help keep your teeth healthy between appointments.

You’ll Feel Better About Yourself

While having healthy teeth is most important, you probably also want to have a beautiful smile. Regular dental visits help you achieve that. During your dental cleanings, stains and tartar are removed for a more radiant smile. When you feel good about your teeth, it can improve your self-confidence. You’ll never hesitate to smile, you won’t worry about having bad breath, and you’ll know that you’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Schedule a Dental Exam

If it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, it’s time to get back on track! Contact us today at 413-536-1782 to schedule an appointment.