Getting your tires rotated. Changing the clocks (both backward and forward). Seeing your dentist in Joplin. What do these things have in common? They should happen twice a year. And, out of the three of these, preventive dental care with the team at Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is by far the most important. But why? In this post, Dr. Dan Young explains the importance of routine oral healthcare, and how it can benefit not only your pearly whites, but your overall well-being, too.
Why Should I See The Dentist Twice A Year?
As your premier family dentist in Joplin, Dr. Young knows there are many reasons why you and your loved ones should visit him every six months. In fact, your smile is not only your most important physical feature, it can also provide a glimpse into the health of your entire body. A professional dental exam can help diagnose over 120 medical conditions, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease. With regular visits, we can keep you ahead of the problems below:
- Complicated Dental Problems – Many people neglect their smiles and find themselves only visiting the dentist when problems arise. Rather than waiting for dental pain, oral infections, and tooth loss to occur, we can prevent the need for fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, dental implants, and gum grafting when you see us twice a year.
- Cardiovascular Issues – The link between heart health and smile health is well-known. Seeing Dr. Young for a checkup and cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup, and lessens the oral bacteria that can cause bad breath, gum disease, and even endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart.
- Pregnancy Challenges – Expecting mothers and women who are trying to conceive should be sure to focus on their oral health as a vital part of their fertility and pregnancy. Since infections like gum disease can cause premature births and low birth weight, it’s crucial to obtain routine dental care to make sure both mom and baby are safe and healthy.
- Oral Cancer – Oral cancer is most often found in a regular dental appointment. This condition is usually caught it its later stages, and is one of the deadliest forms of the disease because people skimp on oral healthcare, which prevents the diagnosis until it’s too late, in many cases. But, by seeing us every six months and making quick, painless, and simple oral cancer screenings a part of your exam, you don’t have to be a statistic.
So, if it’s been longer than six months since your last visit, schedule your appointment with Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to reclaim your smile health!