Oftentimes, the biggest payoffs in life come from a little bit of work. A healthy, radiant smile is a great example, but many people find it all too easy to neglect their oral hygiene routine or skip 6-month checkups. But your smile is incredibly important to your quality of life, so it’s well worth it to take the initiative and start 2019 off right by scheduling with a dentist in Sewell. And, especially if you weren’t as diligent as you’d like to be last year, it’s a perfect time for a fresh start! Find out more below about the many ways that checkups benefit you and how these visits will improve your oral health!
How Do Checkups Improve Your Oral Health?
When it comes to dental work, most people would rather prevent the need for it altogether than have it done. And, as any dentist will tell you, people who get regular checkups tend to need less major dental work than those who don’t.
But that’s not the only benefit – you get more from these visits than you might realize:
- Gum health – Many people know they need to keep their teeth healthy, but aren’t as aware of their gums. Unfortunately, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. It’s also been found to increase your risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, pregnancy complications, and even some cancers.
- A more attractive smile – Cosmetic issues such as cavities, chips or cracks on the front teeth can be found when they’re small and treated before they become more noticeable.
- Affordable prevention – Dental insurance typically covers preventive care like checkups at 80%-100%, which means you get 2 checkups a year for little to no cost. If you don’t have insurance, talk to your dentist about possibly coming in every 9-12 months instead, which is much better than going years in between visits.
- Oral cancer detection – At every checkup, both a dentist and hygienist visually examine all of your soft tissues to screen for oral cancer. As with all cancers, early detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
What Else Can You Do For Better Oral Health?
Routine care is crucial for a healthy smile, but so are the things you do every day at home:
- Do your best to brush twice a day for 2 minutes and floss once. If you miss a day or two of flossing, just pick back up where you left off. Aim for better, not perfect!
- Minimize sugar and avoid snacking (or sipping) on anything sweet throughout the day.
- There are many tools available to make your hygiene routine easier and more effective. Experiment with things like electric toothbrushes, floss picks, and oral irrigators to find what works for you.
With regular care and a few good habits, healthier teeth and gums can be yours in 2019!
About the Author
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Khanh Thai is a dentist in Sewell who wants to help his patients prevent problems rather than treat them. That’s why he encourages everyone to schedule regular dental care, no matter how long it might have been since their last visit. If you have any questions, he can be contacted through his website.
