Even though you likely know that the American Dental Association recommends dental visits for preventive care every six months, it can be easy to fall out of the habit. If you miss one appointment because you have the flu or something comes up at work and you don’t reschedule right away, it can quickly snowball into a series of missed check-ups. Soon, it’s been years since you’ve last seen the dentist and now you feel anxious about making an appointment.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because many patients have a similar story. The easiest way to get back on track with your dental health is to schedule an appointment today. We’re happy to welcome you to our office, whether it’s been a few months since your last exam or several years. Here’s why it’s important to keep up with your regular dental visits.
Dental Health Impacts Your Overall Health
Without healthy teeth and gums, it’s difficult to have a healthy body. Your teeth allow you to eat the nutritious foods you need to thrive and infection and inflammation in the gums can lead to infection and inflammation elsewhere in the body. There’s mounting evidence showing that poor oral health is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even preterm birth.
Going to the dentist every six months for comprehensive exams and dental cleanings is just as important as annual physicals, regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet when it comes to your overall wellness.
Dental Health Impacts Your Overall Health
Although brushing your teeth is certainly important, the dental cleanings you get at our office serve a different purpose. Eventually, the plaque on your teeth hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar contributes to both gum disease and tooth decay and it cannot be removed by a toothbrush—it can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
After your teeth are cleaned, they’re polished to create a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for new plaque and tartar deposits to form. Brush and floss well at home between appointments to maximize the results of your dental cleanings.
Early Treatment Is Always Best
With regular comprehensive dental exams, we can closely monitor your oral health, allowing us to notice subtle changes to your soft tissues, gums, and teeth, often before you notice them yourself or experience any symptoms. This means we can identify potential problems before they become serious.
When we can provide you with a dental filling to repair the damage from decay instead of needing to use a dental crown or implant, it can save you time and money, but when it comes to identifying suspicious lesions during an oral cancer screening, early treatment has the potential to save your life. No matter the circumstances, early treatment always yields the most successful outcomes.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Exam
If you’re due for a dental exam and cleaning, contact us today at 203-775-2225 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levitt.