Going to the dentist is probably not high on anyone’s list, but it is something that is very important, not only for the health of your teeth and mouth, but also for your overall health. Many people avoid going to the dentist for a number of reasons, most of which are not valid. On the other hand, 96% believe an attractive smile makes them more appealing to the opposite sex. If you want to keep that appealing smile and have good teeth, you need to go to the dentist regularly. Here are some of the reasons it’s important.
Some people believe that regular brushing and flossing is enough, and they only need to see the dentist if they notice a problem or experience pain. That’s not true, however, as nearly half the population over 30 has some form of periodontal disease, and that number increases to 70% for people over 65. Mild forms of the disease may not present any symptoms, but they will be apparent to a trained practitioner of general dentistry. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist regularly so he or she can keep up on such a condition.
There are people who avoid seeing a dentist because they are worried about it hurting or they are worried the general dentistry specialist may find something wrong. But it is better to experience a little bit of pain up front during a regular checkup, as well as find problems early, then it is to wait until problems become unbearable and cause more pain down the road. A cavity, for example, becomes more painful and take more time and cost more to fix the larger it is.
Cost is another reason that people have for not seeing a dentist. Those without dental insurance fear how much they might have to pay. But that is not really a valid reason. Regular appointments for cleanings usually cost less than $100, and doing them even once a year is helpful. For people who truly can’t afford that amount, many larger cities offer periodic free dental clinics, and if you live near a university with a dental school, you may be able to get free care there. For more expensive dental problems, there are programs to help the poor.
Taking care of your teeth is important. In addition to dental health, regular general dentistry care can help improve your overall health, as tooth and gum disease can contribute to heart disease and other ailments. Your dentist also will do oral cancer screenings, and that disease is much more treatable when found early. In short, you should move mountains to see a dentist as often as you can.
