Been A While Since Your Last Checkup? It Could Be Costing You

Do you ever hear a nagging voice in the back of your mind telling you that you’re forgetting something? If that ‘something’ is scheduling a dental checkup in Longview, you should definitely listen! It’s common for people to let these visits go, but you would be surprised at how that can cost you in the long-run. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, keep reading to learn how routine dental appointments are more than just a teeth cleaning. You never know – you might just find the motivation you need to schedule that overdue checkup!

How Checkups and Cleanings Save You Time and Money 

Nearly everyone these days is pressed for time and money. But while you may think skipping your dental visits will save you both, actually the opposite is true. Here are some of the ways checkups and cleanings make your life easier in the long-run: 

• You minimize emergencies – Certain dental emergencies, like falling and knocking out a tooth, can’t always be prevented. But when a dentist is monitoring your teeth every six months, they can find problems early on and treat them quickly and easily. This minimizes the chances that you’ll have an emergency like a severe toothache in the middle of the night, on a vacation, or during a busy work week. 
• You can prevent or manage gum disease – Gum disease affects an estimated 65 million Americans and is one of the main reasons for tooth loss. Unfortunately, it also increases your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s, stroke and more. Regular cleanings are essential for keeping your gums in good shape. 
• You prevent major dental problems – The best time to treat a cavity is when you can’t feel it yet because, at this stage, a simple and inexpensive filling can repair it. If you wait until you’re in pain to come in for treatment, there’s a good chance you’ll need more extensive dental work like a dental crown or even a root canal. 

What’s Included In a Dental Checkup?

A checkup and teeth cleaning in Longview is more than just a quick polish of your teeth and a cavity check. These visits monitor every aspect of your oral health and include all of the following: 

• An oral cancer screening – These simple screenings take just minutes and are done by both the hygienist and dentist. 
• Annual X-rays – Dentists use this diagnostic tool to find cavities and other problems in their early stages.
• A gum disease screening – Also done once per year, a gum exam allows a dentist to catch and treat gum disease before it leads to tooth loss and other serious problems. 
• A professional cleaning –Regular cleanings keep your gums healthy and help your smile look and feel its best.  
• A dental exam – The last step is having your teeth and existing dental work checked to make sure everything is functioning the way it should. 

It’s clear that maintaining good dental hygiene is important in more ways than one. And since they only require a couple of quick appointments each year, they’re well worth your time. 

About the Author 

Dr. George Stoddard has been practicing as a dentist in Longview for over two decades  and is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center. He understands the link between oral health and overall well-being and always encourages his patients to get regular checkups and cleanings. If you have any questions about your dental hygiene, he can be reached via his website.