Risks of Skipping Routine Appointments with Your Dentist in Grand Prairie

In addition to your home oral hygiene habits, the American Dental Association recommends that everyone visits their dentist in Grand Prairie twice per year to maintain a healthy smile. Unfortunately, many people skip their routine appointments because they do not feel that they need to go until after a problem has developed. As a result, one-third of Americans did not schedule an appointment last year. If you are among those who skipped their cleaning and checkup, you are placing your oral and general health at risk. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall well-being. If dental complications develop, they can significantly impact your health.

Benefit from a Semi-Annual Cleaning

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease; however, most adults do not follow this advice. In fact, only 56% of women and 49% of men brush daily while 20% never floss. If you are among those who skimp their oral hygiene routine, you are allowing harmful bacteria and tartar to build in your mouth.

Even with the best brushing and flossing methods, there are still areas in your mouth that you cannot clean at home, where plaque and bacteria will accumulate. If they are not removed by your dentist twice a year, you significantly increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

It is estimated 27% of adults have untreated cavities while another 50% have a form of gum disease. Not only can they both lead to tooth loss, but gum disease can also cause an array of health complications, like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and respiratory infections.

Benefit from Early Detection

In addition to a cleaning, you should also have a checkup twice a year. Although you may not feel that it is necessary, it is vital to detect dental problems early. With quick intervention, you will decrease the need for an invasive procedure in the future, lowering your long-term dental costs. In fact, it is estimated that every $1 spent on restorative care can save you as much as $50 on restorative and emergency treatments.

With a comprehensive examination, your dentist will monitor your oral health to find issues while they are still small, like the early stages of gum disease, areas of weakened enamel, or oral cancer. As a result, a customized treatment plan can be implemented to quickly resolve the issues before they worsen.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointment

Although life can get busy, make the time to visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. With a proactive approach to your oral health, you will help to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy for a lifetime.