Sometimes, when you lead a busy life, it can be hard to find time in your schedule for what really matters. Between work, school, chores, and other obligations, stealing a moment here and there to do the things you truly love can be a challenge. Naturally, you might think eliminating things like a biannual dental check-up and cleaning can help save you time. But unfortunately, when it comes to your oral health, skipping dental appointments could actually cost you more time, money, and in some cases, your life. Here’s why it’s so important to make room in your schedule for your oral health.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups
In many cases, dental problems can arise silently. In fact, if there’s no pain or visible changes in your mouth, you may not even realize there’s something amiss. But thankfully, your dentist can easily spot many of these issues before they become worse. Cavities and tooth infections that only show up on X-ray can be treated or reversed with proper intervention, and valuable oral cancer screenings could potentially save your life!
The condition of your oral health can also help your dentist shine a light on other medical conditions that may already be occurring throughout the body. These include:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- GERD
- Osteoporosis
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Heart Disease
While it may not seem like these issues are related to your oral health, your dentist can often spot changes in your soft tissues (gums, tongue, cheeks) that could indicate serious problems elsewhere in the body and refer you to you your primary care doctor for more assistance.
The Time & Financial Savings of Regular Dental Check-Ups
It may seem counterintuitive that biannual check-up and cleaning appointments save you money, but if you have dental insurance, you are likely already paying for them each month as part of your plan. Thus, by not using them, you are essentially throwing your money away. Worse yet, if you avoid going to the dentist, any undiagnosed problems can easily get worse. A small cavity could eventually require a crown instead of a simple filling, and a tooth infection could cost you your entire tooth instead of being repaired with a root canal procedure. Simple steps like regular preventive maintenance can help avoid these problems or treat them before they have a chance to cost more than they would have in their early stages.
Finally, though you do have to take time out of your busy day to attend your biannual dental check-up and cleaning, don’t think of it as another obligation. Instead, consider it important self-care that helps protect your smile, overall health and your wallet, and everyone has time for that!
Remember, visiting your dentist for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments does require a little time out of your busy day, but protecting your oral and overall health is well worth the investment.
About Dr. Perez
For nearly 25 years, Dr. Javier Perez has proudly provided compassionate and skilled dental care to patients of all ages. He first attended dental school at the University of Medicine at Cuba, before coming to the United States and attending dental school again at UCLA. It is this dedication to his patients that make Dr. Perez the perfect choice for all your dental needs, from preventive care to dental implants and even Invisalign.
If you’ve been avoiding your biannual check-up and cleaning, don’t put off this important appointment any further. Schedule your visit to Times Square Family Dental by visiting our website or calling us at 903-534-8110.