Did you know that an estimated 32% of adults don’t get regular dental checkups? Many people don’t want to schedule these visits because they’re trying to save money or avoid painful dental work. Unfortunately, however, that usually backfires. In this blog, you’ll find out how seeing a dentist regularly maintains your oral health in the long run and saves you a lot of time and money in the dental chair. Learn more below!
What’s Included In a Checkup and Cleaning?
Routine checkups and cleanings are designed to make sure every aspect of your oral health is in good shape. Here’s what’s included:
- A review of your medical history
- X-rays (once per year) to help a dentist see what’s happening underneath dental work, in the jawbone, and in between the back teeth
- A fast, easy oral cancer screening from both your dentist and hygienist
- An annual gum exam to find signs of gum disease as early as possible
- A professional cleaning and polish
- Personalized oral hygiene tips to help you maintain everything between visits
- A dental exam to make sure that your teeth and existing dental work are functioning well
How Do Regular Checkups Save You Money?
- You’re more likely to have healthier gums– Did you know that gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss? Checkups are the best way to monitor your gums so that it can be found and treated early on. And since professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar (a major contributor to gum disease) that you can’t remove at home, they’re excellent for maintaining your gum health.
- You’ll have a lower chance of serious health problems – Tooth loss isn’t the only consequence of gum disease. Countless studies have shown that it also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, pregnancy complications and even certain cancers.
- You’ll need less major dental work – Dentists use diagnostic tools like routine X-rays to find cavities and other problems before you can feel them. This allows them to repair the issue with simple, inexpensive procedures like fillings instead of more involved dental work like root canals and crowns.
- You’ll have fewer emergencies – Painful dental emergencies often strike at the worst times like busy work days or vacations. Routine dental care means you’ll know about dental problems before they turn into emergencies so you can have them treated when it’s convenient for you.
Ultimately, if you want to save money on your dental bills, seeing a dentist every 6 months is your best bet!
About the Author
Dr. James Moreau Jr. is an award-winning dentist with 40 years of experience. In that time, he’s seen how routine visits maintain his patients’ oral health and lower their cost of dental care, so he encourages everyone to come in every 6 months. If you’d like to know more about how checkups benefit you or have any questions, he can be contacted via his website.