According to the Commonwealth Fund, 32% of US adults skipped routine dental visits in 2016. Are you among that portion of people not receiving the preventive care that helps you steer clear of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential oral health problems? You should know that getting a checkup and cleaning every six months is vital for your oral and overall well-being. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of these appointments with your dentist in Medford.
Common Reasons for Skipping the Dentist
Most people do not look forward to visiting the dentist for routine preventive care. After all, it can be uncomfortable to sit with your mouth open for an extended period of time, you may have to rearrange your schedule to get an appointment, and don’t forget that you often have to pay money to do it. These reasons combined cause a lot of adults to put off regular visits, continually telling themselves they will “get to it later.” Does that sound familiar to you?
The Irony Is…
If you are frequently pushing a preventive visit to the dentist to the end of your to-do list, there is something important to keep in mind. When you put off a checkup and cleaning to save money or prevent discomfort, you are actually putting yourself at a higher risk of experiencing more pain and having to pay for complex restorative treatments later on.
Routine visits to the dentist are vital because they increase the chances that problems like tooth decay or gum disease are detected early — which means they can be solved with the most conservative treatment possible. Sometimes, a weak spot in the tooth enamel can even be reversed with fluoride to prevent a cavity from forming altogether. Seeing your dentist every six months can help you avoid the need for more costly, uncomfortable treatments later on! That just makes good sense.
It’s Never Too Late to Recommit
The good news is that no matter how long it has been since your last visit to the dentist, it is always a great time to recommit to your oral health. Any excellent dental team will welcome you with open, judgement-free arms — the important thing is that you are taking the steps to get your smile back on track right now.
This summer, why don’t you take some time to visit your dentist and start taking better care of your smile? Doing so will help to keep your oral and overall health strong for a lifetime to come!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino of Giamberardino Dental Care is a general dentist offering superior dental care for patients in and around Medford. To learn more about the importance of routine checkups and cleanings or to schedule one for you or someone you love, go ahead and contact them by calling 781-396-3800.