With so many other things going on in your life, it is easy to put the annual trip to the dentist on the back burner. After all, you have not had any toothaches lately, and you brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums clean and your breath fresh.
As easy as it is to let dental care slide, putting off your annual exam could have troubling, and potentially expensive, repercussions. Here are nine reasons to stop procrastinating and schedule your dentist visit today.
- Your remaining FSA funds could pick up the tab. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, the remaining money could help pay for your dental care. If you fail to use all the money allocated, you could lose it, so schedule your visit to the dentist before the end of the year.
- Dental problems are not always painful, or even visible. Even if your teeth feel fine and your mouth feels fresh, gum disease could be lurking under the surface. The sooner you detect these problems the easier they will be to treat.
- Catching problems early will mean less money out of your pocket. If you wait until you are doubled over in pain, the physical discomfort will be nothing compared to the pain your wallet will soon be experiencing. Regular checkups help you catch problems early, when they are far less expensive to treat.
- Many dangerous health problems stem from poor oral hygiene. From bacteria from an infected tooth traveling through your bloodstream to high blood sugar levels from a poor diet, dental problems can spread from your teeth to the rest of your body. Regular dental checkups could head off those health problems, or at least help you detect them early.
- You will learn about the latest in dental technology. From the newest dental implants for a flawless smile to invisible braces that will straighten your teeth and make you look great, dental technology is always changing. Visiting the dentist regularly will help you learn about those advances, so you can develop a treatment plan that works for you.
- Early detection of oral cancers is possible. Dentists are trained medical professionals, with the power to spot potentially life-threatening problems. This includes detection of oral cancers, and if your dentist sees something suspicious you can follow up with your family doctor or the appropriate specialist.
- Your dentist can help you develop healthier habits. Even if you think you are doing everything right, you may not be doing all you can to protect your teeth and gums. Your dentist can give you valuable pointers on what you could be doing better, so you can take even better care of your teeth.
- You could get relief from your neck and jaw pain. If you have been seeking chiropractic care for neck and jaw problems, you could be barking up the wrong tree. Your pain could be coming from your mouth, and your dentist can help you pinpoint the source of the problem and give you the relief you need.
- Regular dental care helps you face the world with confidence. If you are reluctant to smile at the world, visiting the dentist could give you a new lease on life. Whether you need extensive dental treatment or just a little work, you can leave the dentist office with a newfound confidence.
It is easy to feel reluctant when thinking about your annual dental checkup. After all, few people look forward to a trip to the dentist, and you may be tempted to put it off, especially if you are busy with other things. But there are some compelling reasons to visit the dentist, including the nine listed above.