Get a Healthy Start to Your New Year!

Have you made any resolutions for the new year? One health-related goal you may be forgetting is a clean and beautiful smile. Your smile’s appearance can say a lot about you, but its health is also important. With more studies showing a direct link between your oral and overall health, regular dental appointments are more vital than ever. Read on to see why you should start the year off right by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Midland.

The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups

Unlike other medical issues, dental problems can occur without any signs or symptoms. That’s one of the main reasons why the American Dental Association recommends biannual dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments give your dentist the opportunity to prevent and detect issues that can happen without you even noticing. Of these problems, one of the more serious is oral cancer. This cancer has a high recovery rate if caught early on, which is another reason to ensure that you attend twice a year visits. Dentists alone catch about 84% of oral cancer cases, making a quick visit to your dental office a potentially life-saving trip.

What Can You Expect During a Dental Checkup

Dental checkups today are more efficient and easier than ever, and they can usually be completed in less than an hour. After your dental cleaning, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, and they may even take X-Rays to check for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. They will also check the condition of your gums, taking measurements of the space between your gums and teeth. Gum disease is a common problem that can be completely prevented, and this step is integral for the health of your mouth.

Your dentist will also check for oral cancer, examining your tongue, cheeks, throat, gums, and other parts of your mouth. They may physically examine your jaw, feeling around your lymph nodes and jawline for any abnormalities. This quick check only takes a matter of minutes, but it’s enough to ensure that you’re healthy and cancer-free.

Make a New Year’s Checkup Your Resolution

As you can tell, there is much more to a dental checkup than just looking at your teeth for cavities. Your dentist plays an important role in your overall health, which is why you should make an early 2020 visit a priority for years to come.

What are you waiting for? Contact your dentist while the year’s still young to ensure you have a healthy smile and body.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Laura Philipps is an experienced dentist who wants her patients to know the importance of regular dental checkups. She is highly-trained in early detection, and she offers all of the services you need to stay healthy. For any questions, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (432) 570-4433.