Why You Should See Your Dentist in Springfield Every 6 Months

Everything in life that’s worth having requires a little care. This includes your teeth and gums. Seeing your dentist in Springfield every six months enables him or he to check for possible problems before they turn into serious conditions. It also allows a trained dental professional to treat plaque and tartar buildup. The payoff for you includes brighter smiles and better oral health.

Why Every Six Months?

When hearing about the importance of regular dental appointments, some people shrug their shoulders and say, “My teeth look fine; why should I worry?” Here are five good reasons:

1. To prevent cavities: plaque and tartar are more than a cosmetic issue. Left in place, they inevitably lead to cavities and tooth loss. The only way to control this problem is with professional dental cleanings. Otherwise you’re setting yourself up for difficulties down the road.
2. To catch problems early: many types of health risks first show up in the mouth. This includes oral cancer and other potentially life-threatening illnesses. Spotting these conditions as early as possible is essential for optimal treatment outcomes.
3. To update your records: dental coverage information is changing all the time. Why wait until a real emergency to find out that your coverage details or contact information is out-of-date? A bi-annual dental visit allows the office staff to keep your records current, preventing aggravating delays from popping up at the worst possible time.
4. To set a positive example: sometimes it’s tough to get our loved ones to take care of themselves. We can talk about cultivating healthy habits all we like. But there’s nothing like a positive example to drive the point home.
5. To feel good about yourself: knowing that you’ve just taken care of an important task gives you satisfaction and peace of mind. It allows you to cross an item off your list and turn your attention to other priorities.

 Why Dental Cleanings are Essential

 To understand why regular cleanings are so important, let’s take a closer look at plaque and tartar. If you could put these substances under a microscope, you would see billions of microscopic bacteria swarming and reproducing.

These tiny creatures are what cause the need for gum disease therapy in Springfield. They secrete corrosive acids that wear away your tooth enamel, exposing the fragile pulp inside to attack. Left unchecked, they will spread into the roots of the tooth and the gums themselves.

Recent research indicates these germs can also enter the bloodstream, contributing to serious conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and even certain forms of dementia.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to rid your mouth of these creatures permanently. But it is possible to keep them under control by brushing, flossing, avoiding sugar, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings. Not only will this improve your oral health, it will help to keep your smile looking its best over the long term.

Regular dental care is one of the smartest investments you can make. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist in the near future. You’ll soon be on your way to healthier smiles and happier days.

About the Author

Springfield native Dr. Victoria Driskill is a skilled dentist with a caring, compassionate attitude that puts her patients at ease. She earned her DDS degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has received many awards for professional excellence. You can reach her office online or by calling (217) 546-3333.