Visiting the dentist is important throughout your life. Regular visits should begin at a very young age and continue on throughout one’s lifetime. These check-ups with a professional dentist are critical for different reasons as a person ages. With people living longer lives, it’s more important than ever to keep that smile beautiful.
Children
As soon as that first tiny tooth comes into view a parent should schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist. A good Brooklyn NY dentist can be found at several local clinics such as Park Slope Dentistry. The first visit is simply to get a child accustomed to a dental office and discuss with the parent how to care for these brand new little teeth. By age two they should be having regular six-month checkups to spot any cavities, apply sealants, and promote good oral hygiene at home, such as brushing with a fluoride paste and flossing.
Adults
Many people stop going to the dentist once they are adults. As long as there isn’t a painful issue to deal with they will avoid regular visits. These six-month checkups are just as important during middle age as when growing up. Six months is just enough time for unwanted tartar to build up. Once tartar appears, it can only be removed by a dentist. Dentists can also spot problems early on when treatment is more affordable and simpler. In addition, it promotes overall health as there are some medical conditions and diseases that can be determined by symptoms that show up in the mouth.
Older Patients
Aging creates a whole new set of problems when it comes to oral health. Approximately half of all the people aged 55 or older have periodontitis. They are also three times more likely to see the effects of tooth decay than younger patients. Receding gum tissue is a problem for older people as well. When each of these issues are left unattended by a dentist, tooth loss can occur. One out of four of those 65 or older have lost their teeth.
With regular visits to a dentist, one can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile throughout their life. Children should be taught the habit of regular check-ups so that as adults they continue to care for their teeth. This will lead to teeth that will stay with them for a lifetime.
5 Comments
-
Thank you for pointing out that even as an adult, the six-month dental check-ups are still an important part in maintaining healthy teeth. My husband recently started to complain about tooth pain. We realized it had been a while since he has seen a dentist in our area.
-
I have severe dentist phobia due to poor treatment by some dentists, include one who whipped out a Bic lighter to finish a root canal!!! I finally have found a dentist I trust but the damage has been done but my mouth health has never been better.
-
-
I have gone to the dentist regularly all my life. I took my kids faithfully. Even though the school made them get exams entering certain grades. Wish I am glad about, because I have seen some kids’ teeth really yellow.
Pregnancies can be hard on the teeth and so can Diabetes. Plus I battled Multiple Myeloma for a long while. I am surprised I still have teeth!! Insurances should automatically cover dental, because it could be a health issue and that means higher insurance rates. -
-
I always went every 6 months when I was a kid, but it’s been a couple years now. I keep telling myself I should schedule an appointment.
-
-
I feel it is so important to visit the dentist. I wish our insurance would cover more for our visits. Our health depends on keeping our teeth and gums in good shape.