Why Dental Cleanings and Prevention Care is Critical to Long-Term Dental Health in Tucson, AZ

Maintaining good oral health is vital for so many reasons. Properly maintained oral health enhances an individual’s ability to eat, smile, speak, and convey emotion through facial expression. Excellent oral health is supported only when one sticks to healthy preventive habits, including regular dental care and good oral hygiene. That includes regular cleanings and exams from a dentist. Dr. Colby Echols and the Swan Dental team in Tucson, AZ, provide dental cleanings and dental care centered around preventing tooth decay and other dental health issues.

Developing proper oral hygiene habits early in life goes hand in hand with good overall health. Oral health in the US has indeed improved over the past several decades. However, many Americans still forego preventive dental care, such as regular dental visits and proper at-home habits. Research reveals that near 25 percent of Americans have untreated tooth decay. Neglecting one’s oral health can lead to oral diseases, including tooth decay and oral cancers.

Preventive dental care is critical for so many reasons. But the truth is that many do not go to the dentist because of dental anxiety or fear. There are many reasons you feel this way, but in doing so, you can be setting yourself up for significant pain and a large bill down the road when you have to undergo dental procedures, which you could have avoided with preventive care. Let us look at some reasons why preventative care is so critical.

Monitored Health

Some people think that regular brushing and flossing at home is enough to maintain a sparkling white and healthy smile. That is far from reality. The truth is that regular dental cleanings and examinations play a significant role in one’s overall dental health. By regularly seeing a dentist, you can monitor any developing conditions and treat them and not leave them to develop into more extensive and costly problems.

Save Your Money

Some avoid the dentist because they do not believe they can afford what they think of as a costly dental visit. Before you assume that you cannot afford to see a dentist, you should check with your employer to see if you have dental insurance. Many dentist visits, thanks to dental insurance, are very affordable. Further, if you don’t have dental insurance, you should check for payment plans with your dentist. What will end up costing you a lot of money is when larger dental health issues surface that could have been prevented by regular dental exams. Allowing a dentist to diagnose a cavity and then put in a filling will cost much less than letting that decay spread to the point of needing a root canal. Preventive treatment will save you money in the long run.

Dentists Offer Advice

A dentist is there to treat oral health issues, but they are also there to answer any questions you may have. If you have questions about over-the-counter oral hygiene products, your dentist will most likely be able to point you towards recommended products ranging from toothbrushes, toothpaste, and rinses. Additionally, dentists can provide you with helpful technique tips. Maybe you have been brushing and flossing regularly but are still getting cavities because your technique is not correct. A dentist will be able to demonstrate proper technique to achieve the best results through at-home oral care.

Preventive dental care is going to save you significant pain and monetary cost in the long run. Seeing a dentist for regular checkups and getting cleanings twice a year will make your oral health a world of good in conjunction with proper at-home care. You really cannot afford to neglect your teeth and gums if you want to have a smile you are proud to show off. The importance of regular preventive care and cleanings cannot be understated when discussing overall health benefits and how you socially interact with others.

If you have neglected preventive dental care but are ready to turn your dental health around, please give Dr. Colby Echols and the team at Swan Dental a call today (520) 595-3655.