The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are about more than showing off those pearly whites. They are a vital and necessary to maintaining your overall health.
However, despite the importance of regular dental appointments, many Americans are skipping them altogether, jeopardizing not only their smile, but increasing their risk of stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, only around 61% of all adult Americans in the US have had visited a dentist within the last 365 days. If you fall into that category, read on to get some inspiring information as to why these checkups are so important.
#1 Early Detection can save your Smile
Prevention and detection of tooth decay and gum disease are a major plus for getting regular checkups. Around 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
#2 Look and Feel Confident
Professional cleanings remove more build up and tartar than brushing alone, offering you a deep clean that removes stains, whitens teeth and leaves you feeling fresh and clean.
#3 Essential for Your Overall Health
Over 120 systemic diseases can be diagnosed by your dentist. Regular checkups can reveal the signs of diseases before you even know you have them, allowing you to seek treatment early on. In fact, a University of California Berkley study found that women who get regular dental checkups reduced their risk of heart disease by up to 1/3.
#4 Using your Dental Insurance / Benefits
If you’re paying for benefits and insurance, use it! In the US alone tens of millions of dollars of dental insurance goes unused each year (can it doesn’t carry over to next year either). Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so be sure to take advantage.
#5 Set a Good Example for your Kids
Oral care and hygiene have a dramatic impact on your overall health and life. As such, it is important to help your children establish good dental habits early on. Leading by example with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits can make a big difference in the life of your children.
#6 Cancer Screening
One of the most important, yet overlooked, parts of each and every dental visit is your oral cancer screening. Dentists screen your mouth for early signs of one of the deadliest cancers. Catching it early can mean the difference between life and death.
