Have you been putting off your visit to the dentist? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, 46.7% of those who participated have delayed their regular dental visit for a variety of reasons.

Some people are afraid of the dentist, also known as dentophobia or odontophobia. Others don’t want to hear the bad news of yet another cavity. The worst is that a lot of people think oral hygiene isn’t really that important.

Don’t wait any longer. Here are six reasons postponing your dentist visit could be doing more damage than you think.

1. Avoiding Oral Cancer

During your regular cleanings, your dentist will also be checking for signs of oral cancer. It’s the shortest part of your regular visit but is by far one of the most important. When it’s caught early, it can be treatable.

Wait too long, however, and you’re less likely to recover.

2. Catching Problem Early On

One of the main reasons people have dental issues that go unsolved is because they’re improperly diagnosed or are postponing the visit to the dentist.

Delaying your visit to the dentist won’t solve anything. If you’ve been having ongoing issues with oral health you haven’t been able to resolve, you may be in need of dental implants. It’s usually overlooked and could lead to infection, causing even more damage to your physical health.

3. Maintain Overall Health

There have been several studies over the last several years that correlate your oral health to your physical health. Diabetes, for instance, has a close connection to the state of your oral hygiene and plaque build-up.

Other physical health conditions that could arise from lack of dental maintenance are heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even complications with pregnancy. Did we mention that good oral health is linked to a better night’s sleep?

As you start to think about ways you want to improve the longevity of your life, make sure to consider your oral health.

4. Building Your Confidence

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s no wonder so many people are opting for cosmetic surgeries to enhance their bright white smiles.

But what you might not realize is that many of these cosmetic surgeries can be avoided down the road by attending your regular visits. A healthy smile can build your confidence, so why not start taking care of it now?

5. Gum Health Matters

A part of going to the dentist is learning about your gum health. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is one of the biggest issues dentists regularly see. They’re able to check your gums with a simple poke to measure the depth of your gums. Healthy gums are usually between 1 and 3, while unhealthy gums are 4 and up.

Normally two cleanings a year is enough for the average person to manage it. However, those who have severe cases caused by inflammatory issues, poor dental hygiene, or smoking may need three or four visits.

6. There Is Always a Solution

If you think it can’t be fixed, think again. Whether you have a chipped tooth or a crown that has fallen out, there is no issue a dentist can’t fix. Their education along with the latest research and technologies have allowed the field of dentistry to go beyond regular cleanings.

Dental implants, rebuilding worn-out teeth, or cosmetic whitening procedures are all solutions provided by your dentist.

Summary

Your oral health is one of the most important parts of maintaining your overall physical health. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, there is no better time than the present to make the change. Speak with a professional about it today to make sure you’re catching these issues before they get out of hand.