Avoiding dental checkups and cleanings is like trying to keep your house tidy without ever cleaning it or maintaining it. Eventually, something has to give.
Consider your car and how care and maintenance prolong its life on the road.
Your home and car are priorities, but so is your dental health, especially considering all that can go wrong when you neglect checkups and teeth cleanings.
In this blog, your Wilmington dentist covers the following:
- Reasons Wilmington Residents Prioritize Dental Health
- How to Prioritize Your Dental Health
- What Happens When You Neglect Oral Care
- The Benefits of Keeping Dental Appointments
- How to Enjoy Your Healthy Smile Around Wilmington, DE
Reasons Wilmington Residents Prioritize Dental Health
Wilmington has the highest population in Delaware and was built over the first Swedish Settlement in America. It is also only half an hour from Philadelphia. Wilmington is a relaxing community with many parks, but outdoor recreation isn’t all we offer.
Our diverse residents enjoy a nice mix of family fun and nightlife in our fair city. Wilmington residents are also savvy and understand the importance of checkups and teeth cleanings!
Here are five reasons our patients make dental health a priority:
#1 Busy Schedules
Whether you’re a homemaker or career-focused, your time is valuable. Many residents understand that twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings mean less time in the dental chair later. Preventable conditions like root infections and gum disease can mean multiple trips to the dentist instead of two preventive visits per year.
#2 Financial Concerns
Most people understand that ongoing dental care can be expensive (in addition to time-consuming). Checkups and teeth cleanings are typically covered by insurance or are easier to budget with CareCredit. Major issues due to oral health neglect are far more expensive in the long term.
#3 Smile Pride
People around Wilmington seem to enjoy smiling. Well-cared-for teeth boost smile pride and confidence, encouraging people to smile more! Smiling at your neighbors exudes warmth and trust.
#4 Smile Comfort
When you neglect your oral health, things tend to go wrong. Issues like tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease are painful. Enjoying a comfortable smile without toothaches and swelling is always a priority. We want you to live your best life and not suffer a dental emergency during your workday.
#5 Long-Term Implications
You may think your teeth look okay. There is no pain. No tooth stains. Nothing to cause concern. Unfortunately, oral health conditions can present with symptoms when you least expect them. You may encounter a dental emergency or gum disease diagnosis with little warning. Making dental care a priority increases the odds of a healthy smile for life.
How to Prioritize Your Dental Health
The American Dental Association and your dentist in Wilmington, DE, recommend twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings. Seeing the dentist every six months has been proven effective in reducing tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease.
Your dental checkup includes a professional teeth cleaning, periodic x-rays, and an oral cancer screening. Teeth cleanings are especially vital to your long-term dental health success. These cleanings remove everything your toothbrush and floss leave behind. And oral cancer screenings mean early diagnosis, often indicating a more successful outcome.
Other preventive measures can include dental sealants and fluoride treatments to reduce cavity risks and strengthen tooth enamel.
If you’re diagnosed with an oral health issue, your dentist may recommend a more customized treatment schedule.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria. Floss once daily or after every meal to help prevent tooth decay between teeth.
Wear a mouthguard if you play sports. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), consider a nightguard.
Finally, contact your dentist if you’re concerned and notice anything new, such as tooth sensitivity, pain, or sores that don’t heal.
What Happens When You Neglect Oral Care?
Not visiting the dentist and skipping oral hygiene routines can lead to costly and time-consuming complications, such as gum disease.
Gum disease is especially concerning because it can mean tooth loss, and studies even link it to physical health problems and diseases, such as:
- Heart and lung issues
- Pregnancy complications
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, we can lower your risks for significant complications through ongoing care.
Regular dental care also means fresher breath and a brighter smile.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Dental Appointments
- Reduced risk of future oral health issues
- Reduced risk of expensive and time-consuming oral health issues
- Brighter teeth and fresher breath
- Better candidacy for elective treatments like cosmetic dentistry
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry in the future, it’s essential to reestablish dental care to ensure your candidacy. Remember, not seeing the dentist for extended periods does not rule you out as a cosmetic dentistry candidate, but it may mean pretreatments and ongoing care before treatments like teeth whitening and veneers.
How to Enjoy Your Healthy Smile Around Wilmington, DE
There is plenty to do and see in Wilmington, DE. If you need a specific recommendation, don't hesitate to chat with our friendly staff.
Near our dental office, you’ll find:
- Prior Tract Park
- Gwinhurst Park
- Radnor Green Park
- Lesher Memorial Park
Nightlife and dining spots around Wilmington, DE, include Catherine Rooney’s and Girard Craft & Cork.
If you’re new to the area, we’re pleased to welcome you to our city!
Schedule Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning in Wilmington, DE
Remember, dental health is our priority, and it’s never wise to ghost your dentist.
We’re happy to welcome patients of all ages and serve individuals and families daily at Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PE. To learn more about our treatments and services or to schedule your next (or first) checkup and teeth cleaning with the dentist, call us today at (302) 475-9220.
We accept CareCredit financing, a medical and dental credit card that offers easy financing (often interest-free) to qualifying patients and families. A dental team member can help you apply; decisions are typically prompt.
Our team looks forward to caring for your smile.