Yes, You Should See a Dentist Every Six Months

People avoid the dentist for many reasons, including fear, anxiety, cost, and previous negative experiences. Unfortunately, when left unchecked, dental problems can cause issues in other parts of the body. And the longer you wait to see the dentist, the more difficult the issues are to treat. Even if you take care of your teeth and think you don’t need to go, there are good reasons why regular checkups are essential.

Residents in the Mamaroneck, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, areas ready for their six-month dental checkup can get assistance from Dr. Gennadiy Kravets at All Bright Dental. We offer checkups and focused, individual care for people of all ages utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in a relaxed atmosphere.

The importance of dental care

Your mouth is filled with more than your teeth, gums, tongue, muscles, and tissues. It’s brimming with mostly harmless bacteria. With optimal oral hygiene (regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash) that bacteria stay under control. But with poor oral hygiene, which causes your teeth to get covered with plaque and food particles, you run a far greater risk of gum disease and other complications.

The consequences of neglecting your teeth

Gum disease, periodontitis (severe gum infection), and tooth decay are just the start of what can happen due to poor oral care. Those issues left untreated can lead to the following conditions:

• Endocarditis: an infection in the inner lining of the chambers or valves in your heart
• Cardiovascular disease: infections from oral bacteria can lead to clogged arteries and stroke
• Complications with pregnancy and birth: periodontitis has been connected with premature births and low birth weight
• Pneumonia: the bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, resulting in respiratory conditions like pneumonia

Gum disease and other oral problems may be worse in people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. That is all the more reason to be more concerned about your dental health.

Why frequent checkups are so important

In addition to preventing many of the complications listed above, everyone can benefit from having their teeth examined and cleaned. Even if you take great care of your teeth there may still be underlying issues you would have no way of identifying until symptoms started to appear. 

Regular visits can make all the difference. That, as well as regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and replacing your toothbrush often, can improve your oral health.

Taking care of your long-term health starts with prioritizing the care of your teeth and gums. Make sure to schedule regular appointments with Dr. Kravets and All Bright Dental today for better oral health.