Benefits of Regular Dental Visits
Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond daily brushing and flossing—it also includes . The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends, and our West Hilliard, OH, dentist agrees, that patients of all ages schedule professional teeth cleanings every 6 months, or twice a year. During these appointments, we may also take X-rays to monitor the condition of your teeth and jaw, ensuring no underlying issues go undetected.
Here are 5 reasons why consistent dental care is essential, especially so if you have a specific condition like gum disease.
Seeing Our Dentist on a Regular Basis Can:
1. Improve Your Overall Health
Oral health is linked to the overall health of your body. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Likewise, can also make it more difficult for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar. The healthier your mouth, the easier it can be to manage other medical conditions.
Learn More → 5 Ways You Can Prevent Gum Disease
Your oral health also affects your diet. For example, people with missing teeth may only eat soft foods to avoid pain or discomfort. Your teeth may also be sensitive to hot and cold foods if you’ve lost enamel or your gums are receding. Dr. Gibson can help you restore your oral health so you can enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.
2. Remove Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that lives on your teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque hardens into what is called “tartar.” While you can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, only a dental professional can remove tartar.
If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s important to visit our Hilliard, OH, dental office every 6 months for an oral examination and .
3. Save You Money
Most forms of dental insurance fully cover teeth cleanings, X-rays, and other preventive care. If you don’t have insurance, ask Dr. Gibson or one of our team members about how you can get started with our very own Neon Tooth Club dental savings plan.
Regardless, it’s less expensive to catch oral health problems early. For example, it costs less to restore a tooth with a dental filling than a dental crown. The bigger the cavity, the more invasive and expensive the treatment.
Read More → How to Avoid Time in the Dentist’s Chair
If you’re prone to getting cavities, we may recommend dental sealants. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating we paint onto the chewing surface of your molar. This stops plaque from hiding in tiny cracks and divots where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. In other words, dental sealants help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
4. Help You Avoid Common Dental Issues
Your oral health needs will change as you grow older. Yet, it’s important to understand that poor oral health is not inevitable. On the contrary, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime as long as you take good care of your teeth and gums.
Certain age groups are more susceptible to oral health problems. About 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontitis according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Likewise, tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease in the United States. Dr. Gibson will be able to help you avoid these issues so you can keep smiling.
5. Open the Door to Cosmetic Smile Treatments
Nothing is more attractive than a healthy smile. During your next appointment, we can help you explore your options for cosmetic dentistry if you’re interested in making some changes. We offer teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign® clear aligners, and dental bonding.
Request an Appointment Today
Our , is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy smiles for life. To request an appointment for yourself or a child, call Gibson Dental today at (614) 878-9562.
This blog post has been updated.