THE PERFECT SMILE
In the swinging sixties, flowery bell-bottoms, crocheted headbands and dentures were all very trendy. 63% of people had false teeth. Old-age pensioners and bright, young things were wearing them. These days, dentures are a last resort rather than a fashion statement. You may not have the Hollywood version of the perfect smile, but that’s no reason not to have great teeth for as long as you can.
But My Teeth Are Fine, Nothing Hurts and the Dentist is Expensive
Taking care of your teeth is incredibly important. Sore teeth can be the result of cavities, gum disease or even oral cancer. By the time you’re starting to feel pain, the problem may already be in an advanced stage. Regular visits allow the dentist to catch issues before they become problems. Regular visits are financially more sound as well. Corrective surgery is far more expensive than a regular check-up and clean. If you do need a series of treatments these can be spread out so you’re not paying a large lump sum in one go.
I Brush and Floss Regularly, Isn’t that Enough?
Brushing and flossing is great, especially after meals, but remember, there’s more to your oral health than just a pretty smile and sweet breath. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to spot the early warning signs of disease in your mouth. Even minor inflammations in your mouth can introduce oral bacteria into your bloodstream which could lead to heart disease, dementia, respiratory problems, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, infertility, cancer and a stroke. Even bad breath is a warning sign that something’s not right, and if it’s not your teeth, the dentist will be able to advise you to see your doctor.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
The standard is yearly, but in some cases more often is necessary. Less than that will only cost you more in the long-run and puts your over-all health at risk. Your dentist will tell you if you are a high-risk patient and need to make extra visits.
How Do I Know if I’m a High-Risk?
Are you
- A diabetic
- A smoker
- Pregnant – oral bacteria can cause a pre-term or a low birth weight delivery
Do you currently have
- Gum disease
- A weak immune response to bacterial infection
- A tendency to get cavities or build up plaque
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these then you need to visit the dentist on a regular basis.
As you can see regular check-ups are a much better idea than only seeing the dentist when your teeth hurt. The more often you visit the dentist, the less often you’ll need corrective surgery, like fillings. The team at Team Dental aren’t here to just solve dental problems, but rather to help you prevent them. We can provide you with the knowledge you need to implement a great at-home routine, the best products available as well as both treatment and payment options. A fresh, healthy mouth means a healthier body, and clear mind.
