According to the American Dental Association, a visit to the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam is critical to maintaining a healthy smile. However, each year millions of Americans put off going to the dentist because they are too busy, too anxious, or do not want to spend the money. There are more demands on our time now more than ever before but putting off trips to the dentist can have serious negative consequences on one’s oral health. Without professional intervention, cavities can grow, and dental problems can develop and worsen. If you are still not convinced, a dentist in Lincoln has compiled the top 3 health risks of skipping regular dental visits – be sure to read them below.
Why Do People Skip Routine Dental Checkups?
In addition to practicing good oral health habits at home, regularly visiting the dentist is key to maintaining a healthy smile. When individuals decide to skip a biannual dental visit, it is typically related to one of these three reasons:
- Discomfort
- Inconvenience
- Cost
Avoiding the dentist for any of these three reasons, however, could come back to haunt you in the future. If oral health problems develop or worsen and are not treated by a dental professional, you could find yourself visiting an emergency dentist or even the emergency room for an inconvenient and expensive oral surgery.
3 Health Risks of Avoiding Biannual Dental Visits
According to the Commonwealth Fund, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults skipped a routine dental visit in 2016 – that is over 100 million Americans! If you are considering joining that number, first consider these 3 ways that skipping a trip to the dentist can negatively affect your health:
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay – Practicing good oral hygiene at home is critical to maintaining a healthy mouth, but plaque and tartar can still accumulate in the tiny spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. During a regular dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to expertly remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease – Plaque and tartar buildup are also a threat to healthy gums. It can be difficult to notice the subtle warning signs of gum disease at home in the mirror, but without preventive dentistry gum disease can lead to diminished jawbone density and even tooth loss.
- Missed Oral Cancer Detection – Detecting oral cancer early on when it is easiest to remove is critical to overcoming the disease. During every dental checkup, a dentist examines your mouth for signs of oral cancer as well as for cavities, gum disease and damaged fillings.
It is not always easy to fit everything into a busy schedule, but remember that skipping out on regular dental visits could be seriously harmful to your oral health. If you want to keep your smile healthy and whole, be sure to visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
About the Practice
At Olberding Dental, patients can expect to receive high-quality dental care that utilizes state-of-the-art technology in a warm and welcoming environment. Every patient is made to feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they walk in the door, no matter if they are visiting for a routine dental checkup or an intensive dental procedure. To learn more about the team at Olberding Dental, visit their website today or call the office at 402-488-2325.