If you’ve set a New Year’s resolution for 2020, chances are it has to do with exercising more or eating better. But why not do something different this year and schedule a checkup with a dentist in Lawrenceville instead? These visits are often overlooked, which not only affects your smile but also your overall well-being. Since the new year just got started, it’s a great time to learn about the 4 ways a checkup and cleaning benefits you and why it’s the perfect resolution to make. Find out more below!
1. You’ll Save Time and Money In the Long Run
The President of the California Dental Association estimated that for every $1 spent on preventive dental care, you can save up to $50 on major dental work like dental crowns and root canals. And while that’s certainly a great financial incentive to get regular checkups, you’ll also save a lot of time by keeping your dental appointments to a minimum.
2. You’ll Get Easy, Non-Invasive Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is on the rise, and an estimated 53,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. However, the good news is that the survival rate is 85%-90% when it’s found in the beginning stages. And since your checkups automatically include oral cancer screenings, early detection couldn’t be more convenient. These visual exams take just minutes and are done by both your dentist and hygienist.
3. You’ll Experience Fewer Painful Emergencies
Sometimes, accidents and injuries happen no matter how much you try to avoid them. But regular checkups will go a long way towards preventing dental emergencies like severe toothaches and broken dental work.
By monitoring your oral health every 6 months, a dentist can find and treat any issues early on, before they cause pain.On top of keeping you comfortable, this can also save you a lot of money because early treatment is almost always easier and less expensive.
4. You’ll Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease (and All the Problems That Come With It)
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss? This condition affects an estimated 65 million Americans and destroys the supportive structures around your teeth (the gum tissue and underlying jawbone). In addition, it’s also been found to increase the risk for many serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, some cancers, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Checkups include an annual exam to find gum disease in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. And a professional cleaning every 6 months removes the plaque and tartar you can’t remove at home that’s otherwise a major contributor to this condition.
Ultimately, checkups and cleanings keep you healthier from head to toe. And scheduling one of these visits is the perfect way to start the new year off on the right foot!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter is a family dentist in Lawrenceville with 35 years of experience. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, he’s dedicated to continuing education and has found that routine care is the best way for his patients to minimize the overall dental work they need. If you’d like to know more about the benefits of regular checkups or have any questions, he can be contacted through his website.