Dental Visits Are Essential to a Healthy Life
At the end of last summer, I took it upon myself to evaluate the preparedness of our home in the case of a disaster. I have always been somewhat prepared, knowing we had most of the items needed to support a family of six and few neighbors along the way. However, the truth is that they were not organized in the appropriate manner: food and water here, flashlights somewhere, camp stove and fuel maybe used up...better make a trip to REI. I knew I had to do better, and within a few hours I was able to consolidate all of my essentials and achieve a level of preparedness adequate for most disasters. Hopefully, I will never have to resort to using them.
So it goes with oral health. In the article “Dental Visits Essential to Healthy Life”, the topic of cutting costs is highlighted as a financial strategy during these difficult economic times. More and more people are choosing to forgo routine preventive visits to the dentist, thinking that the approach of “I will just wait another six months” will be harmless. The trouble is that harmful bacterial plaques and cracked teeth don’t bend to economic conditions, or to our self-imposed avoidance behaviors. It is amazing just how quickly six months turns into two years, and that the progression of simple dental problems accelerate into serious and costly clinical challenges.
The truth is that the majority of people who visit our office on a routine maintenance basis for hygiene care and examinations avoid the most difficult dental problems: periodontal disease and tooth loss, dental abscesses, and acute pain. Moreover, if treatment is needed, their mouths are in such a better hygienic state that their treatment success rates remain very favorable. Routine prevention drives down costs and improves outcomes...it’s that simple.
I challenge you to mirror my own disaster preparedness efforts by doing what is best to avoid your own dental disasters: make a call to set up your routine hygiene appointments. In my office, you will never be made to feel guilty or ashamed for not keeping up with your oral care. We are all imperfect and get off the bus every now and then. Now is the time to get back on!
Paul Huddleston, DDS