With work weeks seemingly busier than ever, some people claim that it can be difficult to find time for self-care. While some people may think of this practice as simply indulging in pampering and relaxation, proper self-care includes staying on top of your health, including your oral care.
In a time when people struggle to find the time and resources to schedule regular checkups with their medical professionals, it’s no surprise that dental care may fall even lower on their to-do list.
However, because of the overall negative effects of poor oral health, it’s important to remember to make it a priority regardless of how busy your schedule may be.
1. Dentists Can Help Catch More Serious Conditions
While dental visits can help you to keep your teeth clean and shiny, they are even more important than just that. Most people may be familiar with more common conditions such as cavities, decay, and gingivitis, but dentists also help identify bigger issues from the neck up. This includes potentially harmful growths on the tongue, gums, and throat, as well as irregularities in the way the jaw or even skull may be developing.
Headaches, discomfort, and problems eating are just some things that can be affected by your dental health. These can be signs of more serious conditions that are best treated early on.
Some dental professionals may also be trained in orthodontics or can provide recommendations for traditional braces or a braces alternative that can help correct smiles for both cosmetic or medical reasons.
2. Basic Checkups are More Affordable
Dental bills are known to be infamously high especially when they include procedures involving specialized surgery or prosthetics. While many people may consider dodging their dentists for this reason alone, it’s important to remember that basic checkups and x-rays are covered in many dental insurance plans.
Visiting your dentist regularly can be viewed as preventative care that can ensure that any potential conditions are addressed early on before they become more serious, uncomfortable, difficult, and ultimately more expensive to fix.
3. Appearances Can Make a Difference
Behavior and personality should be the most important traits used to judge a person, but the reality is that appearances do play a role in the way you are perceived. Regardless of your occupation and social standing, looking clean and groomed are often favorable attributes to have. Because your face is one of the most noticeable things about you, investing in your oral health can make a difference.
Even if you don’t have a perfectly flawless bite, healthy, clean teeth, and good breath can go a long way in the type of impression you make on others.
The next time you consider skipping that checkup, perhaps consider the long-term effects of neglecting your oral health. It’s easy to take good dental health for granted until you experience a problem firsthand. Even the smallest issues can make everyday activities difficult to do. Speaking, smiling, and eating can be challenging or embarrassing with painful gums or decaying/missing teeth.
Knowing that consequences of skipping out on your dental checkups, and the many benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile may be enough to motivate you to make regular dental visits a priority.
Revision 28.2.2021 – 404 link removed
Your dental check-up will consist of pretty much the same processes every appointment. Your dental team will visually check your teeth and gums to make sure that everything looks healthy.