Dentists recommend that every patient come in at least twice annually for a cleaning and comprehensive oral examination. Keeping up with dental care routines like brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups can protect your health and save you time and money in the future.
1. Prevent and Treat Emerging Problems
Many serious dental issues start small and are highly treatable in their early stages. Gum disease and tooth decay are easy to address when emerging but harder to fight once they have become entrenched.
For example, gum disease's earliest stage is also called gingivitis. Gingivitis symptoms include gums that easily bleed when brushed or flossed. Gingivitis is generally reversible with professional cleanings and excellent home care.
However, once gum disease progresses past gingivitis and into periodontal disease, dentists can only manage it and not reverse it. When left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
2. Save Time and Money
If you visit the dentist regularly and catch emerging issues before they become severe, you will spend less time in the dentist's chair receiving costly treatments
Fillings, crowns, and other restorations add up over time. To avoid a cycle of constant dental work, keep all appointments for cleanings and maintain exceptional home care habits. You will save time that you could otherwise spend with your friends and family and keep money in your pocket for other expenses.
3. Protect Your Natural Teeth As Long as Possible
Unfortunately, many older adults have major dental issues like periodontal disease. This disease accelerates the rate at which natural teeth fall out by weakening the bone around the tooth sockets. Even younger adults with severe dental decay may lose teeth far before their time.
Make a strong effort to take the best care of your teeth and visit the dentist as recommended. You will experience less tooth loss throughout your lifetime and maintain a natural smile well into your elder years.
How to Improve Your Dental Care Routine
When you understand that you need to place more effort into your regular dental care routine, you may not know where to start. Consult your dentist for important tips on how to jump-start your home care and protect your oral health.
Basic home oral care routines start with brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing once daily to remove all plaque and food particles. Every patient aged one and up should see the dentist twice annually for a cleaning and exam.
The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health
Oral and overall health have a complex relationship . Better oral health can improve your overall health by helping to prevent infection, high blood pressure, diabetes, and preterm birth, among other conditions.
Call Manhattan Dental Spa
If you are looking for effective ways to improve your dental health, call us at 212-683-2530 to make an appointment. We will fully examine your teeth and gums and then help you plan to protect your dental health in the long term.
