3 Reasons Not to Skip Your Next Dental Cleanings

dental cleaningsDid you skip your last dentist’s appointment? Adults and children alike need to receive dental cleanings once every six months at least, and only making annual visits — or worse — could mean missing out on crucial dental hygiene. Cavities, chipped or missing teeth, gum disease, and other common problems can all lead to serious issues if they’re left untreated by a family dental practice.

If it’s been some time since your last dentist’s appointment, or if you often wait a long time between dental cleanings, then scheduling a visit is of the utmost importance. If you’re not quite convinced, though, here are three reasons you may need a cleaning and checkup now:

  • A dentist can diagnose and treat problems like cavities. Approximately 92% of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had dental caries — or cavities — at least once in their lifetime. Finding cavities and treating them as soon as possible is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. It can also reduce pain, as cavities can become quite painful the more severe they become. Thankfully, today’s treatments for cavities don’t mean having a mouth full of metal. You may be able to receive a tooth-colored composite filling instead, so no one will know about your cavity except for you.
  • Family dentists can help you fix broken or missing teeth. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, 15 million people in the United States have received crown and bridge replacements; three million people, however, have used dental implants, and that number increases by half a million more each year. Broken or chipped teeth can also be covered with a crown, so the entire tooth doesn’t necessarily have to be removed. In short, there are options for you if your smile is less than perfect, so don’t hide from the dentist any longer!
  • Your dentist can recommend corrective or cosmetic treatments to you. If your dental clinic also features cosmetic dentists, then you may have access to treatments that can help you improve the look of your teeth. This is something that 32% of Americans report being concerned about, but face it: no one really wants to show off crooked, yellowing teeth when they smile. An orthodontist, for instance, can offer you braces or transparent treatments like Invisalign to straighten your teeth and fix your bite. You might also ask about whitening treatments — something that 88% of orthodontists nationwide have advised patients on and 82% of patients say led to a noticeable difference in the shade of their teeth. However, you won’t know if these treatments are right for you without seeing your dentist for a cleaning.

Above all, seeing a dentist means receiving information about taking care of your teeth, and it’s an excellent method of preventative care to stop cavities and other problems from forming. Have more questions about getting dental cleanings or other dental procedures? Be sure to get in touch with us today to find out what you need.