blog thumbnail image

Why Is it Essential to See Your Dentist in December?

The Christmas season is a time for joy, laughter, and celebration. However, this season brings with it many dental problems. You may be wondering why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, research shows that only about 60 percent of Americans see a dentist at least once a year. This means that about 40 percent of people do not visit the dentist at all. While this may seem like a lot of people, there is a significant difference between those who practice good oral hygiene habits versus those who do not.

When you don’t practice proper oral hygiene, you are far more susceptible to developing tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, studies show that 75 percent of all Americans have had or will have some form of periodontal (gum) disease at some point in their lifetimes. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist twice per year for preventive dental care, as well as routine cleanings every six months. This can help to prevent cavities and gum disease from becoming more serious issues in the future.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During your regular checkup, your dentist will screen for oral cancer by inspecting your mouth for signs of the disease. This screening is painless and quick and can detect early signs of cancer. When detected, your dental team can discuss your treatment options and help you keep this disease from spreading.

Teeth Cleaning

For one, the end of the year is a great time for a dentist to ensure your teeth are in optimal condition prior to the holidays. There’s nothing worse than being the one who gets “caught” eating or drinking something you shouldn’t in front of the whole company! It’s much better to have your dentist clean your teeth and give you advice regarding what foods and drinks you should avoid, as well as which ones you should indulge in. Plus, the dentist may notice something that needs more attention and may be able to get it taken care of before the holidays arrive.

You may also need to have x-rays taken of your teeth to see what’s going on beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, especially if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity issues or other problems. With this information, your dental team can create a treatment plan to help take care of whatever is going on with your teeth so you can feel your best before the parties begin.

It’s also a great time for teeth cleaning to remove plaque buildup from the last few months so you can start off the new year with a clean slate! And, if you have any pressing issues with your mouth that you’ve been putting off due to cost or time, now is a good time to take care of them so you won’t have to worry about them when you start your new year off.

And, of course, if it’s been a while since your last checkup, you may also get a reminder from your dental team that it’s time to come for a routine visit so you can get the care your smile deserves to keep it healthy all year long.

Utilize Your Insurance

The end of the year is the perfect time to utilize your dental insurance benefits before they expire. After all, you don’t want to miss out on seeing your dentist twice a year just because you didn’t use your benefits in time. In addition, it’s also the perfect time to get any necessary dental treatments done so you’ll be ready for all the holiday parties and special meals that may be coming up.

Get in touch with Dr. Steven Go of OC Dental Arts by calling us at (714) 779-7700 to learn more about good oral care practices. 

Location

5779 E La Palma Ave,
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807

Office Hours

MON - TUE9:00 am - 5:30 pm

WEDClosed

THU9:00 am - 5:30 pm

FRIClosed

SATBy appointments only

SUNClosed