subject: The Dentist: 5 Reasons To Make An Appointment [print this page] Even if we don't follow our own best intentions, we know that going to the dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure we maintain a healthy set of teeth. Of course, life gets in the way. For some, it is a crippling fear that keeps them from getting the oral checkups they need. For others, it is simply a matter of too much to do with too little time. If you need some extra impetus to get into the dental office, here are five great reasons to make an appointment today.
Gum Disease is Reversible
Once your gums started bleeding every time you picked up your toothbrush, you may have figured you were on your own. The dentist would just throw up his hands and say, "Well, I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do now." Nonsense! If caught in its early stages, many forms of periodontal disease are completely reversible and able to be treated. Even advanced forms can be stopped and you can prevent anything worse from happening.
Full Body Health
Don't think for a minute that your dentist is restricted only to diagnosing diseases of the mouth. While that is his domain, it is a window into a larger world. The mouth, often ignored by your doctor, is sometimes the first place a disease will manifest. Dental professionals have been known to pick out symptoms of diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis before a doctor would have seen them.
Cosmetic Purposes
If you turn the whitening kit over in your hands every time you walk down the hygiene aisle at the grocery store, you probably aren't happy with how your teeth look. The good news is that you may not need cosmetic whitening at all. If you haven't had your teeth professionally cleaned in some time, which may be all you need to make your smile a few shades brighter.
Save Money
Save money by going to the dentist? How does that work, you may be asking. Well, the more you get in preventative care now, the less you're likely to pay for restorative care down the road. As they say in the auto mechanic business, it costs much less to prevent a problem than to fix it.
Set a Good Example
If you have children, it is imperative that you not only make sure they get to the dentist on a regular basis, but that you go as well. Too many people give up regular dental appointments once they are grown and out on their own. Show your children that dental health doesn't stop when they turn 18.
