Photograph of an older woman with short white hair sitting in a dentists chair smiling and giving a thumbs-up.

3 Reasons to See Your Dentist Regularly

ScottGeneral Dentistry

When you put off going to the dentist, it can be hard to get back on track with regular visits. Once you miss a few appointments for routine cleanings and exams, you start to get nervous about making another appointment. You wonder: Will the teeth cleaning hurt since it’s been a while? Will I have to spend a long time in the dentist’s chair? What if the dentist says something about how long it’s been since my last appointment?

If you’re stuck in a cycle of anxiety and procrastination when it comes to visiting the dentist, relax: we understand how you feel and you might be surprised to learn how common it is. That said, it is important to visit our office regularly to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Whether it’s been six months since your last visit or six years, we’ll never make you feel judged and we’ll always use a gentle touch to make sure your appointments are comfortable.

Here are three reasons to make regular appointments to see your dentist:


Preventive Care Is Cheaper and Easier Than Restorative Dentistry


Restorative dentistry refers to dental crowns, fillings, bridges, implants, and any other dental treatment used to restore the strength, function, and appearance of the teeth. Some of these treatments are time consuming and all of them are more expensive than simple teeth cleaning and oral exam appointments. When you come in regularly, we can prevent costly problems before they start, so preventive care helps keep your overall dental costs down.


Healthy Teeth and Gums Mean Better Overall Health


The various systems and parts of the body are interconnected, so the health of your mouth can impact the health of your body. The opposite is also true: there are times when disorders elsewhere in the body can first cause symptoms in the teeth and gums.

Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes all may cause symptoms in the mouth before you even notice any signs elsewhere in the body. While dentists cannot diagnose or treat these conditions, we do have training that helps us spot them so you can take that information to your doctor for a diagnosis.

During your six month dental exams, we also perform screenings for oral cancer. These include examining your tongue, the insides of your cheeks, the jaw, neck, and lips for abnormal growths and lesions that could be cancerous. With an early diagnosis, remission is more likely.

Dental cleanings also help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. It’s believed that gum disease is linked to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems; the inflammation in the gums increases inflammation in other parts of the body. Preventing and treating gum disease isn’t just good for your smile—it’s good for your heart too!


Your Appointments Will Be Shorter


When you come to the dentist more often, you won’t have to spend as long at our office. The truth is, we just won’t have much to do! When you come in regularly for dental cleanings and you maintain your teeth at home with good brushing and flossing habits, less plaque and tartar will collect on your teeth between visits. Dental cleanings will be short and painless and your exams will be a breeze.


Schedule Your Next Dental Exam


Whether you visit our office every six months without fail or it’s been a while, you’re welcome at our practice. Contact us today at 516-921-1133 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.