Why Regular Dental Exams Are So Important

Your regular dental checkups are your first defense against an array of oral health problems that can be painful and affect your whole future health picture. It’s tempting to put your dental exam off as you review your endless to-do list, but please don’t.

For the little time and effort it takes to visit Nataly Vilderman, DDS, you can dodge several healthcare bullets, provided that your dental checkups are complemented by a healthy diet, physical exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits. Dr. Vilderman’s expert and compassionate dental care protects your oral health — both short-term and long-term.

What’s so important about regular dental exams?

Regularly scheduled dental care and cleaning is vital to your oral and overall health. It’s not a good idea to forego your regular cleaning and checkup because:

• It’s essential that the layers of plaque and bacteria that have built up since your last exam be removed by a pro; your brushing and flossing is fine for everyday maintenance, but the tools Dr. Vilderman and her team have allow them to deep clean your mouth
• A professional cleaning cosmetically enhances your smile because it removes stains and other visible flaws
• Your dental exam is preventive and in-depth; you’re checked for a variety of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, while X-rays allow your dentist to see what the naked eye can’t
• Your checkup is an educational opportunity; your hygienist can offer advice on the best methods and tools to care for your teeth at home

Preventive care is just as important as getting dental care when a problem arises, such as a toothache. For example, gum disease leads to infection of your gums, and the infection that accompanies it affects you systemically. Gum disease is linked to serious health problems, but it’s avoidable with regular dental care.

Preserve your oral health and prevent health problems down the road

The connection between gum disease and infection has led to discoveries about gum disease’s  link to life-altering health conditions. If your mouth harbors bacteria, food, mucous, and other impurities for an extended period without cleaning, the situation just gets worse.

Your concern becomes not just about losing teeth but about how you might be compromising your health for years to come. Grave health problems that gum disease has been associated with include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease
• Dementia

When you think about how the occasional hour spent in your dentist’s chair can reduce the chances that you could suffer from one of these maladies, going to the dentist for regular exams is really a no-brainer.

Make your dental home with us

Dr. Vilderman’s office provides checkups and all-important cleanings however often you need, whether that’s twice a year or more frequently. Vist us to learn why so many in the San Francisco area — including Park Merced, Outer Sunset, and West Portal — entrust their care to Dr. Vilderman.

And if you haven’t visited a dentist in a while, no problem. Get the ball rolling by calling our office or booking an appointment online at our website.