The Long Term Benefits of Regular Dental Visits

Do you visit the dentist on a regular basis? Twice a year or every 6 months is the schedule that is recommended by dental experts. You may know that routine cleanings help to prevent cavities and gum disease. But did you know that there are also significant long term benefits to keeping up with your regular dental appointments?

When you get old, you eventually get dentures, right? Wrong! If you take care of your teeth they can last your entire lifetime. Taking care of your teeth entails just a few basic steps: 

• Floss your teeth daily. Flossing gets food and plaque out from between your teeth and also strengthens your gums to prevent gum disease and recession. 

• Brush your teeth twice daily. Brushing removes the remnants of food from your teeth as well as plaque. 

• Have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dentist twice a year. Regular dental examinations and cleanings remove additional plaque and identify any problem areas in your mouth, such as cavities or gum disease. 

• Allow your dentist to treat problems as they arise. Don’t put off recommended procedures such as fillings or root canals. These problems only get worse and can lead to the need for more in-depth procedures or loss of teeth.

Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can help to prevent the need for expensive procedures. Most dental insurance plans cover basic cleanings twice a year, but may not fully cover other procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. Insurance plans often include deductible that must be met before the insurance kicks in to pay for dental work. You could pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars out of pocket. 

If you don’t have dental insurance at all, you’ll find that paying for basic cleanings is much more affordable than paying for more in-depth procedures. Also, keeping your original teeth for your lifetime will prevent you from one day having to pay for dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

Research shows that there is a correlation between dental health and some serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancer. After multiple studies, the correlation remains steadfast, however, researchers are not sure exactly why. 

It is thought that heart disease and poor oral health can both be traced back to an unhealthy diet. But there is also an indication that the plaque on your teeth is the same type of substance as the plaque that builds up in arteries, causing blockages that can lead to heart attack and stroke. 

As for diabetes, the body’s inability to properly manage blood sugar affects the teeth and soft tissue in the mouth, which is an early indicator that a person may be pre-diabetic. 

Another theory is that the bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay and gum disease can get into the blood and circulate through the body reeking havoc, possibly leading to heart disease and even cancer. 

Ultimately, your oral health is proven to have some bearing on your overall health. If you want to live a long healthy life, proper dental care should be a priority.

Are you interested in keeping your teeth for life? Then visit us at Aurora Dental every 6 months for an oral examination and cleaning. You’ll also save money and improve your overall health by preventing plaque buildup and tooth decay that could worsen and lead to more complex problems. Being proactive with preventive care is key to a lifetime of healthy teeth. 

Call 330-562-3400 today to make an appointment at Aurora Dental or request an appointment.