Regular dental check-ups are more than just an opportunity to brighten your smile; they’re a crucial component of overall health maintenance. Seeing your dentist yearly helps in early detection of potential issues and preventing them from escalating into serious problems. These visits are essential in keeping your dental health in optimal condition.

Reasons Why Everyone Needs To See Their Dentist Yearly

Children: Your children should have their first dental visit by age 1. A general or pediatric dentist can determine your child’s risk for dental disease and recommend an appropriate dental schedule.

• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle and limit sippy‑cup use to mealtimes only.
• Parents or caregivers should brush and floss their children’s teeth until they are aged 8 to 10, when adequate motor skills develop.
• Be sure children use fluoridated toothpaste at least twice daily and floss once (at a minimum).
• Limit frequency of sugary drinks and foods to reduce risk of dental decay.
• Look for products containing Xylitol, a natural sweetener, which can help prevent tooth decay.
• To help prevent dental decay on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, ask your dental provider about dental sealants.

Adults: Adults should continue with routine dental visits. Regular dental cleanings and good home care can help to prevent gum disease and dental decay.

• Dental exams include oral cancer screenings, which could save your life.
• The early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is reversible if diagnosed early.
• Late stages of gum disease, called periodontal disease, is a chronic infection which has been linked to systemic inflammation and chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease.
• Periodontal disease can cause chronic bad breath, receding gums, tooth mobility and tooth loss.
• Adults can still develop dental decay; so, continue brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, floss regularly and limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medications cause dry-mouth, which increases the risk for dental decay — especially on exposed root surfaces.
• Elderly seniors may require assistance with home care regimens — especially those in residential facilities.

Patients with Dentures: Those wearing dentures must still visit their dentist regularly to ensure proper fit, and to be screened for oral cancer.

• Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in denture cleaner.
• Brush dentures with paste designated for dentures instead of regular toothpaste (as it can scratch denture material).
• Keep soaking dentures in a secure container and away from pets.

Remember, investing a small amount of time in annual dental visits can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles and contribute significantly to your well-being.

NHADA Insurance has several excellent dental coverage offerings available to our members. If you’re interested in exploring potential dental benefits please contact me at (603) 224-2369 or lpreve@nhada.com.