Unfortunately, the pandemic changed just about every aspect of our lives. We were no longer able to do many things. For one reason or another, doctor visits and dental health were no exception. Even taking care of ourselves was put on hold. The pandemic prompted many to put their dental care on the back burner. Whether it was fueled by worry about safety or changes to dental hygiene habits, numerous people changed how they care for their oral health.
Studies from the American Association of Endodontists, show that more than half of Americans reported fears related to COVID-19 causing them to put off dental checkups. Their survey also found that 32 percent of respondents said they have experienced a disruption to their usual dental hygiene habits from being constantly at home during the pandemic.
The good news, is that the pandemic rules and restrictions seem to be lightening up. This means that people can get back to taking care of their dental health, as well as their general health. Below are TEN reasons for why it is time to no longer wait and make a dental appointment at Kiefer Family Dental now.
1 – Don’t Wait on Prevention
Regular dental checkups serve an important purpose. Cleanings, screenings, and monitoring any possible dental issues is very important now that you can go back to the dentist. They are essential to preventing concerns like tooth decay, gum disease, fractured teeth, and oral cancer from emerging or getting out of control. At your dental appointment, a hygienist will remove harmful deposits from your teeth and bacteria from your gums, that brushing at home and flossing can’t remove.
2 – Warding Off Oral Cancer
It may be one of the shortest parts of a dental visit, but it’s a vital component. When your dentist puts gauze on your tongue and moves it around, they are looking for signs of oral cancer. Early indicators include a growth or sore that doesn’t go away, and it can appear on your lips, tongue, cheek, throat, mouth floor, and hard or soft palate. If caught early, it is highly treatable. But it can be life-threatening if it’s not caught on time. Everyone is at risk for oral cancer. So if you are not screening for it, you can’t find it.
3 – Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
It should be no surprise that poor oral health affects your overall well-being. You have been told this your entire life. Seeing your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition goes a long way toward maintaining good overall health.
The plaque that builds up on teeth leads to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Plaque is a bacteria-laden film that grows in the pockets around the teeth and hardens on them, forming tartar. When it isn’t removed on a regular basis, it leads to inflammation that causes bleeding gums, receding gums, and the potential loss of teeth.
Such oral bacteria and gum disease can take a toll on health. The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health states that these complications can come in the form of heart disease, some cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
4 – Restoring Confidence
With improved smiles and dental health, what often follows is an ego boost. Dentists see the transformation all the time, and many patients tell them they wish they had fixed their teeth sooner. Focusing on your dental health, and even improving your smile is one way to boost your image and your confidence. People want to make a good impression and will want to show off a healthy smile.
5 – Catch Problems Early
Oral health troubles don’t vanish on their own. It’s important to detect a cavity when it’s small to keep it from causing infection or an abscess, which often leads to a root canal, crown, or extraction. Dental problems can be sneaky in that they can brew for a long before people become aware.
If it gets to the point that your teeth and gums are hurting, the condition is often very advanced. Dental disease can be very progressive. If it isn’t managed in time, it goes from small, easy-to-treat issues to very complex and extensive problems.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that the five reasons to no longer delay a dental visit was helpful. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families including solving all dental issues you may encounter.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
