Key Takeaways:
- Many people only go to the dentist when they have a problem, but the consequences are often severe
- Regular dental checkups can prevent dental-related problems from happening in the first place, so it is paramount to prioritize them
- Setting up reminders and establishing schedules can help you keep track of your upcoming dental problems
- Dental checkups are not much of a hassle as you may think, and The Dental Team is here to make the process even more stress-free
It’s no secret that regular dental checkups are essential for our overall health. Experts recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year, even if you don’t have dental insurance. Many people skip appointments because they need more time or believe it won’t make a difference.
You may think that missing a dentist appointment is no big deal. But the truth is, there can be some severe consequences. But what are the consequences of missing dentist checkups? More importantly, how can they be avoided? Explore this guide to discover why you should always attend six-month dental checkups between insurance plans.
The Consequences of Missed Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining your oral health. Many people overlook this vital appointment, unfortunately, putting it off for months or even years, which results in long-term and short-term consequences. Here’s a glimpse into what can happen if you miss a dentist appointment.
1. Developing Gum Diseases
The most severe consequence of missing regular dental appointments is developing gum disease – a condition caused by plaque buildup along the gum line that causes inflammation and swelling. This inflammation can eventually lead to gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease – which causes redness and tenderness in your gums and bad breath (halitosis).
If left untreated for too long, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss if not treated immediately. Gum diseases can often fester from minor to major issues, and you can only avoid the additional risks by staying faithful to your dentist appointment.
2. Risk of Teeth Cavities
Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth eat away at the enamel on your teeth and can often go undetected, leading to weakened teeth that require fillings or root canals to repair them. Your dentist will examine your teeth for cavities and other signs of decay during regular checkups.
When you don’t have regular dental checkups cavities can go unnoticed until they become much more severe, which means more extensive treatment later. Regular cleanings help remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
3. Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the more embarrassing long-term effects caused by missing dentist appointments. Food particles trapped between the teeth will encourage bacteria growth, causing bad breath that may be difficult to get rid of without professional help. Visiting a dentist regularly helps keep bad breath at bay by removing these food particles before they cause more problems.
4. Tooth Decay
Tooth plaque that is left unchecked for too long will eventually lead to tooth decay – the softening of the outer layer of the tooth caused by bacteria in the mouth. Tooth decay can cause pain when eating/drinking hot or cold beverages.
Plaque left unattended may even require a root canal procedure to fix the damage. The good news is that you can avoid this damage by consistently making – and attending – your six-month dental checkup.
5. More Costs in the Long Run
Minor issues that aren’t caught early on can quickly become larger problems that require more treatment and additional costs. Preventive care through regular visits means less chance of needing costly treatments later due to missed oral health problems.
Skipping your dental checkups could lead to severe problems that even your insurance plans do not cover – so the earlier, the better.
Missing dentist appointments can lead to severe long-term and short-term consequences, including gum disease, cavities, bad breath, tooth decay, and extensive costs. Taking care of our oral health should be a priority, so here are some handy tips on avoiding missing your dentist appointments.
Tips for Avoiding Missed Dentist Appointments
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you want to keep up with your dentist appointments and take charge of your dental health, here are some tips to get you started.
-Set Up Reminders
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t miss a dentist appointment is by setting up reminders, so you’ll know when it’s time for your next visit. You can use a calendar notification or an email reminder, and if you have a digital assistant like Alexa or Siri, you can use it to set reminders whenever you need them.
-Establish a Schedule
Establishing a weekly or monthly schedule for a dental checkup is a great way to ensure you always have something on your calendar that needs attending. This lets you plan out when it’s time for another dentist appointment.
–Make It Fun
Going to the dentist isn’t necessarily fun, but there are ways to make the experience more enjoyable. Doing something fun at the dentist’s will make the experience more pleasant and encourage consistency in keeping up with your appointments over time. For example, you could bring a friend or listen to music or podcasts through earbuds while you wait – whatever works for you.
–Talk to Your Dentist
Talking directly with your dentist is another great option for avoiding missed appointments in the future. This gives them insight into what may prevent you from keeping up with your appointments, and they can work with you to find an alternative that best suits you.
-Remember the Insurance
Talking with your insurance provider may be another helpful step toward avoiding missed appointments. They can let you know precisely what kind of coverage you have and whether it would be beneficial in helping reduce costs associated with regularly seeing the dentist.
Following these tips helps ensure you can attend all critical dentist appointments again and stay on top of your oral health hygiene.
Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today with The Dental Team
You’re not the only one who may struggle to keep track of your dental checkups – many others do as well. This is even more concerning today, as many people don’t use or don’t even have dental insurance plans, often requiring the assistance of a dental practice like The Dental Team.
Our topmost commitment is to keep your smile bright and healthy. Our professional team at eight practices across Milton, Mississauga, and Brampton provides numerous vital services for dental care, such as cleanings, implant procedures, night guards, whitening treatments, fillings, crowns and bridges, and dentures.
Convenient locations, affordable pricing options, and a knowledgeable team make The Dental team the best choice for your regular checkup. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.