Dental Exams Are Vital to Your Oral Health
2020 was a stressful year for many. It seemed as though each month had something new happen. However, no matter how bad the year may have gotten, we are all still here. And with the New Year approaching, it’s time to give ourselves a fresh start. What better time than the New Year to make lifestyle changes to improve your life? Why not start the new year with a dental exam?
Your dental health is more important than you might think. The health of your gums, teeth, and tongue can indicate whether there is a more serious underlying health condition. Not only that, but your teeth do more than chew food. They help you speak clearly and fill out your face. Additionally, your teeth play a vital role in your self-esteem and mental health.
As you can see, you should be making an effort to care for your teeth and mouth. What better way to do that than with a dental exam? During an exam, your dentist will not only clean your teeth, but they will look for warning signs of any oral or chronic health concerns.
As 2020 comes to an end, make your dental health a priority in 2021 by starting the new year with a dental exam. Give Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas a call today to schedule your next appointment.
Dental Hygiene Statistics
From the moment your baby teeth grow in, you’ve likely heard about the importance of regular dental care. From brushing your teeth twice daily to flossing, you know what you should be doing to manage your dental hygiene. However, even though people know these things, they don’t always do them.
Here are some telling statistics about dental hygiene:
- While 85% of Americans believe that their dental health is very important to their overall health, 42% of Americans do not visit their dentist as often as they should.
- Only 25% of Americans are happy with the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums, while 49% are somewhat satisfied.
- Only 15% of Americans reported that their current oral health was excellent.
- 58% of surveyed Americans reported visiting their dentist at least once a year.
- While 52% of surveyed Americans made their most recent appointment for a regular checkup, 17% did so to have a procedure down, and 15% did so because they were experiencing pain.
- 31% of Americans do not brush their teeth twice a day. Even worse, 2% don’t brush their teeth at all.
- 23% of Americans have gone two or more days without brushing their teeth within the last year.
- Around 30% of Americans floss their teeth daily, while 32% admitted that they never floss.
While Americans understand the importance of caring for the health of their teeth, gums, and mouth, they don’t always do it. That is why you should start the new year with a dental exam to set the tone for the entire year.
Start the New Year with a Dental Exam
Even though nothing really changes besides the calendar, people often view the New Year as a symbolic day of rebirth. People set New Year’s resolutions with the goal of improving their quality of life, whether it be through eating better, getting fit, or saving money. You can do the same by deciding to make your dental hygiene a priority.
Arguably the best thing you can do for the health of your mouth is visiting your dentist regularly. Dental health experts recommend seeing your dentist twice a year or once every six months. However, depending on your dental health, you might need to see them more.
There are plenty of reasons why the new year is the best time to schedule a dental exam.
Instill New Habits
The New Year is the perfect time to begin new habits. There are plenty of bad habits people do that harm your teeth. Your dentist will be able to identify some of these habits to help you quit to better care for your teeth. Your dentist will also provide you with helpful tips and information to instill new, healthy habits. If you have any questions or concerns regarding brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, or anything else, you can ask your dentist at your next dental exam.
Additionally, children will be less anxious about the dentist if they visit them regularly. The less anxious they are, the more likely they will pick up these habits.
Identify Problems
2020 has been a demanding year for many. From the COVID-19 pandemic to election stress, this year has worn people down. As a result, many people have neglected their health or experienced new health problems they hadn’t before. That includes oral health issues.
2020 was stressful enough. You don’t want 2021 to go down that same path. By starting your year with a dental exam, you can identify health concerns early before they develop into something more serious. Not only can they recognize oral problems, but they can also identify early signs of overall health concerns, such as diabetes.
You can avoid dealing with serious health concerns later in the year by scheduling an exam at the start of the year. Preventative care will save you time and money while protecting your health.
Keeps Your Teeth Clean
During a dental exam, you will likely also receive a thorough dental cleaning. During this cleaning, a dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup in places you can’t reach, such as between your teeth or along your gum line. If plaque has hardened into tartar, you can’t remove it yourself. Only a professional can do so using special tools.
Getting your teeth cleaned will create a base for how clean your teeth should be throughout the entire year. They can provide you with information about how to keep your teeth clean. With this cleaning, you can be proud of your smile.
Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Not only do these cleanings remove unwanted plaque buildup, but they also prevent gum disease and tooth decay. If you leave plaque and tartar on your teeth, it can eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth decay. Not only that, but it can also lead to gum disease, such as gingivitis or the more destructive periodontitis.
Gum disease can cause irritate or inflame your gums, leading to bleeding and swelling. Periodontitis is irreversible, so catching it early is vital. You can only catch gum disease and tooth decay early by regularly seeing your dentist.
Schedule an Appointment Today
As the start of a new year approaches, now is the perfect time to schedule your next dental exam. The start of a new year is synonymous with new beginnings and fresh starts. Why not make a fresh start on your dental hygiene at the beginning of 2021?
Are you ready to make your dental health a priority? Contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today to start your new year with a dental exam.
