Compared to our annual physical exams and cleanings of our possessions, the dentist gets put on the backburner. The number of appointments you have in any given week to encourage you to push back your dentist appointments. You might think that you keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing every day, but this can be deceiving. There are so many reasons to go to the dentist. Whether it’s to get cleaned or avoid larger complications, below are some reasons not to skip the dentist.
Remove Plaque
One of the biggest reasons to get your teeth cleaned is to remove plaque. When you don’t get your teeth and gums professionally cleaned at least once a year, the plaque will greatly build up. For some people, plaque builds up faster and they need to get their teeth cleaned every six or even every three months. Plaque build up can lead to other complications. The more that is in your mouth, the harder it will be to remove. Plaque can lead to cavities, gingivitis (gum disease), and even tooth loss if you wait too long to remove it and clean off your teeth. Plus, the cleanings are brutal when you have a lot of plaque.
Avoid Bacteria Growth
Another reason to go to the dentist is to avoid bacteria growth. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to other health complications. Pregnancy and tooth bacteria are, strangely, consequential. When you are pregnant, you could get bacteria in the mouth and gingivitis. Or bacteria could cause complications with the pregnancy if not taken care of. It might be hard to believe that the mouth and womb are somehow related, but they are. Bacteria growth will cause all kinds of problems, but this is especially relevant when the patient is pregnant with a baby.
Get Ahead of More Involved Dental Procedures
Perhaps the most significant reason not to skip the dentist is to get ahead of more complex and involved dental procedures. Routine dental check-ups can help you avoid root canals, tooth removals, mouth cancer operations, and more. You will be able to detect cardiovascular diseases that require other procedures. When you go to the dentist routinely, you will avoid all the larger complications that are both painful and expensive. Instead of avoiding the dentist, remember that you are avoiding worse.
You Can Get Free Visits
A great reason not to skip the dentist is because you can find free visits from various resources. There are free dental visits for veterans. There are subsidies for the poor. Insurance can cover dental cleanings and other visits. You can’t always get your dental care paid for, but a lot of people can. Don’t give up. If you can’t afford to go to the dentist and don’t have insurance, think outside the box. You could travel for dental work or find the right practice that does free care for specific people. That way, you can get your teeth cleaned and checked wherever you are.
There Are Dentists Everywhere
Finally, a great reason to see the dentist is that there are dental practices everywhere. Whether you are looking for a dentist in Van Nuys, San Francisco, Redding, or Venice Beach, you will be able to find a dentist wherever you are. Dentists are found all around the world. If you want cheap dental care, you can travel to find affordable checkups and cleanings. You could get a root canal outside of the big city to find a cheaper option. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, dentists are everywhere, and you will be able to find you.
There are all kinds of reasons not to skip the dentist. Beyond cleaning your teeth routinely, removing plaque and bacteria is crucial. You can avoid much larger complications in your mouth and beyond. There is affordable dental care all around the world. You can even find free visits.
A lot of people are afraid of the dentist, but this phobia won’t get you anywhere. You will prolong the inevitable. You will find yourself in other complications and consequences. With so many reasons not to skip the dentist, but you can get yourself to go just by thinking of the results of not going.