Most people aren’t excited about scheduling an appointment at the dentist. It usually involves taking time off of work, and sitting in the chair can be uncomfortable. Not to mention, it can be scary if you haven’t been for a long time. You’re probably worried about what the dentist is going to say about your dental health!

Although it can be tempting to keep putting off that appointment, you shouldn’t. Here are five reasons why you should pick up the phone and schedule your appointment sooner rather than later.

They Can Get Your Teeth Cleaner Than You Can

Brushing and flossing your teeth are both important. You may brush and floss twice a day, use the right toothbrush, and you may even brush for the full two minutes that is recommended. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are about brushing your teeth, you won’t be able to get your mouth as clean as your dentist.

Your dentist’s office uses heavy duty preventative dental tools that you can’t get at home. They know what plaque and tartar look like, and they have the tools to get rid of buildup in even the smallest crevices. Nothing compares to the clean that you’ll feel after you leave the dentist’s office!

You’ll Detect Cavities Before They Become a Bigger Problem

Even if you take good care of your teeth, you can still experience a cavity. Food, acid, and bacteria can settle into the cracks and crevices of your teeth and damage your enamel.

Cavities aren’t a big deal. That is, unless you let it go. If you feel pain, you’ve let a cavity go too far, and if you let it go too far, you may discover you need a root canal instead of a simple filling.

Unfortunately, you can’t tell if you have a cavity until it hurts, and by then, it might be too late. Scheduling regular appointments with your dentist gives them the chance to catch those cavities when they’re quick and easy to fill.

You Can Prevent Gum Disease From Progressing

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue around your teeth. Without treatment, it can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. It is fairly common, especially among people who regularly avoid the dentist.

The good news is that it is preventable. It can also be reversible if you catch it fast enough, but you have to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

A few symptoms of periodontal disease that can convince you it’s time to make that appointment soon include:

  • Swollen, red gums that bleed easily
  • Bad breath
  • Painful chewing
  • Spaces between your teeth
  • Teeth look longer than normal

It’s the Best Way to Detect Oral Cancer

There is a lot of information out there about some cancers, like skin cancer and breast cancer. There is less information out there about other cancers, like oral cancer. It can include areas of your mouth like:

  • Lips
  • Tongue
  • Cheeks
  • Gums
  • Floor of the mouth
  • Hard and soft palate

Your dentist is likely to be the first one to notice something is wrong because they are well-trained in identifying the first signs of a problem. Scheduling regular appointments can ensure you catch a problem as soon as possible.

It is especially important to visit your dentist soon if you are at a higher risk of oral cancer. Those who use tobacco products, have HPV, or have a history of oral cancer are more likely to develop a problem.

The More You Go, the Less Uncomfortable It Will Be

There are many ways to deal with anxiety in the dentist’s office, but one of the easiest is simply to go.

It’s easy to be scared of doing things we don’t do on a regular basis. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it’s easy to be nervous when you walk in the door, but once you’ve gone, it won’t seem quite as scary. It’s even better if you stick to a regular maintenance schedule that will bring you back into the office every six months. Keep going and you’ll find your appointments are faster, easier, and less stressful.

It’s easy to put off making that appointment again and again, but days turn into months and months turn into years, which can leave you with some serious dental problems. Schedule your appointment today and you’ll be glad you did.