Give Thanks for a Healthy Smile with a Trip to the Dentist

Dental patient

When was the last time you paid your dentist a visit? If you are like many Americans, chances are it was quite some time ago. Lack of money or quality dental insurance, busy schedules, fear and the belief that oral health is an unnecessary factor in overall body health are some of the top reasons why people neglect visiting the dentist. Some people also make the decision to find a dentist that isn’t local to them which means when they do have to make an appointment, they don’t want to travel to it. To solve this problem, when you’re choosing a dentist, make sure you find one that is local to your house. There are many reasons why your yearly check-ups are so important, not only for your oral health but for your overall health as well.

You may practice perfect oral hygiene and your teeth may feel fine but regular dental check-ups aren’t about addressing problems, they are about prevention. There is still a chance food particles or other debris can get lodged between your teeth. There are also many foods and beverages that can wear down tooth enamel making them vulnerable to decay. If you’re due a check-up, don’t wait around. Contact your local dentist and get an appointment booked. 

The majority of dental problems do not become visible or painful until they are highly advanced. And, unfortunately, serious oral issues are generally irreparable, not to mention painful and expensive to treat. A deep cleaning by a dentist twice a year is the best way to hit all the spots you may have missed with brushing and flossing and prevent any problems that may have gone unseen.

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Megan Vrooman
Megan Vrooman is a program officer for the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. She handles their community grants program, fluoride varnish program and community relations. She studied nonprofit management and leadership at Arizona State University and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Although Megan grew up in Phoenix, she is Wisconsin native. Megan likes spending her free time volunteering, dancing, baking and hiking with her husband, Andrew, and two boxers, Roxy and Max. [Editor's Note: Megan is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]