A busy work schedule, anxiety related to going to the dentist or maybe not having an established dental provider…there are many reasons why you may not make or keep regular six-month dental appointments. If you haven’t made a trip to our Grand Rapids dentist’s office in some time, there is no time like the present to schedule an appointment.
The American Dental Association recommends going to a regular dental check-up at least every six months (that’s right, some people need more frequent examinations). This is because plaque and tartar can quickly build up, and you may need your dentist’s attention to clean off extra plaque and tartar to reduce your cavity risk.
Each time you skip a dentist’s visit, your dental health can pay the price. Side effects can include:
Increased risk for gum disease.
Excess tartar buildup can damage your gums just as it can harm your teeth. In addition to good brushing and flossing habits, regular trips to the dentist can ensure your gums are in good health.
Large cavities.
Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to pinpoint small cavities that can be watched to see if they worsen or easily filled with a small procedure. When you skip regular dental appointments, small cavities can become enlarged ones. As a result, you may require more significant dental interventions.
Increased pain and discomfort.
Cavities are not only bad for your dental health, they are also painful. When cavities penetrate to the inner tooth portions, this can affect your tooth’s nerves, causing pain. Tooth problems are a leading cause of school absences and cause 164 million lost work hours a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Much of this discomfort can be saved through regular trips to our Grand Rapids dentist’s office.
Call North Park Family Dental Today!
To make an appointment at our Grand Rapids dentist's office, please call (616) 361-7265. Are you a patient of North Park Family Dental? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!