A visit to the dentist may not be at the top of everyone’s to-do list, but maybe it should be. Healthy teeth assist in many bodily functions, such as eating, digestion, and even projecting an attractive appearance. Getting twice-a-year exams is a great start toward maintaining oral health and heading off problems. Here are three important reasons to make routine dental appointments.
Preventative care
A regular dental exam typically includes x-rays, a visual exam, and a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist. Additional services may include measuring receding gums, if applicable, and making referrals as needed to specialists for root canals and orthodontic work. The dentist or the hygienist often suggests helpful tips for cleaning teeth and may provide complimentary toothbrushes and dental floss. Routine visits keep dental care on a regular schedule to keep teeth and oral tissues in good health.
Physical appeal
Teeth play more than just a functional role in good health. They are also one of the main physical features that people notice about us. A smile is a universal gesture of greeting and welcome, so everyone should have a lovely smile to impress others. Fortunately, even if you don’t have perfectly white teeth, dentists can provide whitening services for in-office treatment to lighten teeth by several shades. White teeth suggest youthfulness as well as good health. In addition, chipped teeth can usually be repaired to restore a lovely smile. Dark spots of decay can be filled to create a spotless effect of visible teeth.
Managed treatment
Instead of suffering from a painful toothache or trying a do-it-yourself treatment, or worse yet, pulling an infected tooth at home, a dentist can provide these quality, industry-safe treatments that will keep you pain-free and your teeth in good condition. Thorough examinations can catch cavities early and fill them before they expand. Decayed teeth can be replaced by dental work such as crowns, or may be referred for extraction and implants. Gum disease can be treated before it progresses, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Ignoring serious dental issues like these generally leads to more complicated, painful, and costly procedures later.
Good teeth may be natural for some people, but most need a little extra help from the dentist. Regular exams allow dentists like those at Village Family Dental to find problems when they are small and treat them before they become bigger. Attractive teeth make us feel more confident, and healthy teeth make us feel good overall.