The American Dental Association, CDC, and every healthcare provider you ask will say that people should attend semi-annual checkups and cleanings with their dentist. This type of global consensus is rare in the medical field, so why do so many doctors (including dentists and non-dentists) agree on this? It’s because over the decades, these simple appointments have been shown to be extremely effective at protecting two things that are probably very important to you—your smile and wallet.
How Checkups Protect Your Smile
This one might seem obvious—seeing your dentist helps you avoid developing cavities, right? While this is certainly true, it’s only a small portion of how checkups help people.
A routine dental exam ensures that minor dental issues don’t have the chance to turn into major ones. That means instead of developing a toothache in the middle of the night, your dentist has the chance to apply fluoride and stop the decay from happening in the first place. If you’re starting to develop gum disease (the leading cause of adult tooth loss around the world), your dentist can recommend hygiene tips and offer specific products designed to combat it.
Essentially, checkups aren’t just preventive dentistry, but proactive dentistry. They save you from needing more extensive procedures like extractions, root canals, and tooth replacement.
How Checkups Protect Your Wallet
On top of preserving your oral health, regular exams can also preserve your bank account by helping you avoid the need for more expensive procedures. No matter where you live, a dental checkup will always cost less compared to repairing or restoring a damaged tooth. Plus, checkups are usually 100% covered by dental insurance, while procedures like dental implants, crowns, and bridges are only partially covered.
The savings can literally add up to thousands a year and tens or hundreds of thousands over the course of a lifetime in unneeded dental work. Imagine what that kind of money could be put toward instead of fixing dental issues. College? A dream trip? A new house?
Do It For Yourself
Keeping up with your dental care ultimately gives your life more options. You’ll have a more confident smile and more dollars to spend on things that truly matter to you. While two dental checkups a year might seem like a small thing on the surface, it can have endless positive effects that you’ll enjoy every day for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has taken care of Oklahoma City smiles for over 30 years. In that time, he has helped thousands of patients avoid the need for more advanced dental work just using simple checkups and cleanings, collectively saving them millions of dollars. If you’re ready to safeguard your health and wallet with a simple trip to the dentist, click here or call Grand Dental Studio at (405) 848-3719.