Between work, errands, and shuttling the kids around from school to afternoon activities, it can be difficult to find time to schedule the whole family for their dental checkups. In fact, over 100 million Americans chose to skip a routine dental visit in 2016. However, preventive dentistry is critical to stopping minor dental issues from developing into more serious problems. Here are 3 major health risks of skipping a trip to a family dentist in Peabody.
Why do People Skip Routine Dental Visits?
First, let’s look at why anyone would avoid going to the dentist’s office. When families skip routine dental visits, it is usually connected to one of these three reasons:
- Inconvenience
- Discomfort
- Cost
However, avoiding the dentist for any of these reasons can backfire in the long-term. For example, skipping dental checkups may save time now, but it could easily end up costing you in time – and money – if an untreated dental problem worsens and requires surgery in the future.
#1: Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Brushing your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes in each time and flossing every day is critical to maintaining a healthy mouth. However, even when practicing excellent oral hygiene at home, plaque and tartar can still accumulate over time in the tiny spaces between teeth and other hard-to-reach places in your mouth. During every routine checkup, your dentist or dental hygienist will give your teeth a professional cleaning using special tools to remove plaque and tartar, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay.
#2: Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup can also negatively impact the health of your gums. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 60 million men and women are affected by gum disease. However, the warning signs of gum disease can be subtle and difficult to detect at home in the mirror. If a dentist does not check the health of your and your family’s gums on a regular basis, gum disease could develop and eventually lead to diminished jawbone density and even tooth loss.
#3: Missed Oral Cancer Detection
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Detecting the deadly disease early on – when it is easiest to remove – is critical to overcoming it. In addition to looking for cavities, gum disease
Clearly, skipping trips to the dentist is not worth the risks. If you want your family to maintain healthy and whole smiles, be sure to visit a dentist in Peabody every six months for a routine exam and cleaning.
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati has dedicated his entire career to helping patients in Peabody care for their smiles. The Boston University graduate is an active member in various esteemed oral health organizations and also acts as a clinical instructor at Harvard Dental School. For more information on the importance of preventive dentistry, visit Dr. Saati’s website, call him at 978-531-2185, or search online for a “dentist near me”.