You know you should visit the dentist regularly, but it's one of those things in life that is easier said than done. Work schedules, family obligations, and even dental anxiety can make it hard to follow through and actually book an appointment. Soon, skipping one check-up turns into two, two turns into three, and before you know it, you haven't been to the dentist in a few years.
We know our patients don't intend to let their dental visits fall to the wayside. That said, you should understand why we recommend exams and cleanings every 6 months.
Visiting The Dentist Is Good for Your Health
During routine dental exams, we will do a screening for oral cancer. This includes examining your jaw, neck, lips, cheeks, and tongue for sores or abnormal tissue growth. Patients whose cancer is detected early have the best outcomes and dentists play a key role in early diagnosis for oral cancers.
Regular dental visits are one of the best ways to prevent gum disease as you age. Patients with gum disease have two to three times the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. Researchers aren't completely sure how the two are connected, but it's believed that inflammation in the gums increases inflammation elsewhere in the body, including the cardiovascular system.
Other diseases, like diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, may show up in the mouth before you have symptoms in other parts of the body. While we cannot diagnose these conditions, we can suggest you see your doctor when we find something suspicious during a routine exam.
Preventive Care Saves You Money
As they say, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Regular dental cleanings and exams help you avoid costly restorative procedures. If you have dental insurance, your 6-month check-ups are much more likely to be covered by your plan than the cost of dental implants. Research shows there's a link between long-term tooth loss and frequency of preventive dental visits, so if you want to keep your natural teeth in the best possible shape, don't skip your routine exams.
Your Visits with Us Will Be Short and Painless
When we see patients every 6 months like clockwork and they are diligent about at-home care, their visits with us are short. Instead of spending an hour in the exam chair as one of our hygienists removes plaque and tartar, your cleanings will be a breeze and you'll be out the door in no time. It’s just like bringing a car in for regular maintenance––when we see you often, we have less work to do.
Schedule Your Routine Dental Exam
Whether you’re booking your regular 6-month check-in with us or it’s been a few years since your last visit, we’d love to see you at one of our three convenient New Jersey locations. If you have questions for one of our dentists or you'd like to schedule an appointment, contact us today.