Don't Put Off Your Dental Visits

By Marilyn E. Coleman, DDS

Opitz Family Dental

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Don't Put Off Your Dental Visits

A recent Gallup poll found that about one in three U.S. adults say they did not visit the dentist at some point in the past 12 months. This is a problem.

While it is good to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, it doesn't mean you can skip a visit to the dentist. If your teeth aren't professionally cleaned at least once a year, you run the risk of serious health issues to your teeth and gums as well as to your overall health.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has identified a number of reasons that you should definitely see a dentist. One of the key reasons to visit a dentist is tooth pain. There are several possible causes for tooth pain decay, a loose filling or crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth. Regardless of the reason, tooth pain should not be ignored.

Other reasons that you are likely in need of a dental visit include your teeth being sensitive to hot or cold, having persistent bad breath, and having gums that bleed when you brush or floss. These are all very clear signs that things are not right with your oral health.

Having a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or being HIV-positive puts you at a higher risk for oral health problems and is another important reason to see a dentist regularly. The ADA also strongly recommends seeing a dentist when pregnant or receiving treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy.

If you are a smoker, there is no question about your need for regular dental exams. Smoking doesn't just give you bad breath and yellow teeth, it puts you at very high risk for oral cancer and extreme gum disease.

It is also recommended that you look at your family health history when considering and planning your dental care. If an immediate family member has a history of oral health problems, there is a likelihood that you could have similar problems. According to the ADA, genetics is arisk factorfor developing gum disease. Unlike other controllable risk factors such as smoking or poor oral hygiene, your genetic makeup is out of your control.

It is also important to note that some of the most costly aspects of dental care are the result of addressing problems that could have been prevented with regular professional cleanings and exams.

Regular dental visits are an important and necessary part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy and protecting your overall health. Don't put it off.