Do you get a regular dental checkup? You only get one set of teeth, so it's important to look after them well. Dentists recommend having a checkup every 6-12 months, which is something that many of us fail to do. Here are some reasons why getting a regular dental checkup is important …
One of the reasons you should have a regular dental checkup is that it will detect any problems at an early stage. Catching problems early means they can be dealt with quickly and any treatment will be much less complicated. It will also be cheaper. Prevention is definitely better than cure!
Your dentist will also be able to give you advice on looking after your teeth and gums. You might think that cleaning your teeth is a simple matter of putting toothpaste on your brush, but the correct brushing technique is very important. Your dentist can also advise you on other ways to keep your mouth healthy, such as how to floss correctly.
In the last 20 years or so, dental treatment has improved greatly, and a trip to the dentist is not the fearsome prospect it once was. If you need a tooth filled, modern anaesthetics are very good, and you need not feel any pain or discomfort. It's so much easier now to keep a full set of teeth right into old age, thanks to modern dental treatment.
Surprisingly, getting a dental checkup is important for reasons of general health. Your dentist can detect more than just tooth decay or gum problems. He or she can also spot signs of serious problems like lung cancer, so don't neglect your checkups - it could save more than your teeth!
However well we think we are cleaning our teeth, we're bound to miss something, and plaque builds up over time. Either your dentist or the dental hygienist can give your teeth a thorough professional polish and remove any plaque. It's an important aspect of caring for your teeth; your dentist will tell you how often it needs to be done.
I'll admit to having neglected my own dental checkups after moving to a new town. After such a long time I was concerned that I had problems with my teeth, so finally got around to making that long-delayed appointment. As it turns out, there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, but if I hadn't been for a checkup I would have gone on worrying.
Finally, getting regular dental checkups sets a good example for your kids. It shows them that there is no need to be afraid of the dentist. Too many kids have grown up terrified of going to the dentist, so help your kids by letting them see that you're comfortable sitting in the dentist's chair.
Dentistry has improved so much in the last couple of decades (it was not fun when I was a kid!) that there really is no need to be nervous any more. Your dentist can sort out any problems and help prevent any developing in the first place, so get a checkup as often as he or she recommends. What would you rather do than go to the dentist?