Question: Do you really need to see the dentist twice a year for a checkup? Answer: Yes. Not just because Haverhill dentist Dr. Arakelian really enjoys spending time with you—although that’s certainly true! He also wants to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and that dental problems haven’t developed since your last checkup.
See the Dentist to Stay Problem Free
You may think to yourself that if you’re not in pain and you stick to a stringent oral hygiene routine at home, then you don’t need to see the dentist. In fact, however, visiting the dentist in Haverhill is another important component of your overall dental healthcare.
While brushing and flossing at home can go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy, you can better avoid sneaky problems if you schedule dental checkups. Why wait for a cavity to be painful? At your checkup, Dr. Arakelian will gently probe each tooth to find a spot where your enamel is softened. This is often an indication that a cavity is forming. Found early like this, decay can be repaired with a small tooth-colored filling. However, skip your next checkup and that small cavity can grow, which simply means a more invasive procedure may be necessary.
Guard Your Overall Health with a Dental Checkup
In addition to protecting your smile, a visit to the dentist can also prevent some rather serious general health concerns, too. First of all, protocol now demands that we take your blood pressure at the start of a dental checkup. Many a dentist has been the first healthcare professional to find a reading that is dangerously high. In this case, the patient is sent to an internist or general practitioner for evaluation.
Moreover, the condition of your mouth can significantly impact your overall health. Although gum disease may start in your mouth, the bacteria that initiate this infection are not confined there. The same bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis have been linked to other bodily illnesses and diseases including:
- High Blood Pressure
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Heart Disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy Complications
Thus, making time to see your dentist for a dental checkup at least twice a year (some people need to see the dentist more often if they’re susceptible to cavities) is not only good for your smile, but it’s good for your whole body, too.
Contact Our Office Today
Has the time come to schedule your next dental checkup? Then call the office Dr. Karl Arakelian. We’ll be glad to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
