We’ve all been there. Your 6-month oral exam and teeth cleaning appointment rolls around, and you just can’t seem to find the time to make it into the dentist’s office. A month goes by. Then two months. Three.
Before you know it, you haven’t been to the dentist in nearly a year. But what’s the worst that could happen, really? We’ll tell you! Check out these reasons that you should never skip your 6-month teeth cleaning.
1. Your Risk Of A Cavity Will Increase Dramatically
Tooth decay works slowly. When you come in for a 6-month teeth cleaning, your dentist can identify potential cavities. If they’re small enough, you can use treatments such as fluoride and dental sealants to prevent them from becoming more serious, and requiring fillings. You may even be able to reverse them entirely.
But if you don’t see a dentist, you might not know if you have a cavity until it’s too late. And, contrary to popular belief, you could have cavities even if you don’t have a sensitive tooth, or a toothache.
Seeing your dentist and hygienist helps you keep cavities in check, and professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can cause cavities.
2. You’re More Likely To Suffer From Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is another serious concern when you skip dental appointments. Dentists and Winnipeg dental hygienists can clean deeply between your teeth and your gum line, and look out for tell-tale signs of gingivitis – which is the first sign of gum (periodontal) disease.
Gum disease, if it’s left unchecked, can become a lifelong issue that never goes away entirely. Don’t risk this. Get a deep teeth cleaning, and make sure your gums are healthy.
3. You Might Skip Your Next Appointment, Too
If you skip one teeth cleaning, and your teeth feel fine, you might skip the next one. And the next one. Before you know it, you haven’t been to the dentist in years, and issues like infected teeth and gum disease could be lurking just around the corner. Good dental habits are worth it. Don’t skip your appointment.
4. It’ll Cost You More Money, In The Long Run
Getting a teeth cleaning from a dental hygienist and an oral exam from a dentist is not expensive. In addition, this kind of preventive dentistry is almost always covered by dental insurance.
In contrast, fillings and crowns are very expensive, as is treating periodontal disease, or having a root canal performed.
Sure, you may save a few bucks by not going to the dentist for a teeth cleaning. But in the long run, you’ll pay a lot more if you start to suffer from avoidable oral health issues.
5. It’s Always Easy To Reschedule – Or Find A New Dentist
Dentists want your business, and are sure to be flexible if you need to reschedule appointments. Maybe your dentist would be willing to make an after-hours appointment for you on the weekend, so that you can get the treatment you need, even with a busy schedule.
And, if not, you may want to consider finding a new dentist or dental hygienist. There are plenty of offices which are open on Saturdays, or offer appointments after business hours.
It’s worth taking an hour or two of your time to preserve your oral health. So find a dentist who can work with you, and see you on your terms. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it!
Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy – Never Skip Your Teeth Cleanings!
With the care of a dentist and an oral hygienist, you’ll be able to save time and money, by preventing serious oral health issues like gum disease entirely.
So next time you think about skipping your appointment because you’re too busy, consider your other options, like rescheduling your appointment or coming in after-hours, or on the weekend. Trust us, it’s worth it!
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