A dentist is your best defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. According to the American Dental Association, 77% of adults plan to see a dentist within a year. If you are among them but don't know when you might visit your dentist, you should do so as soon as possible. Delaying your visit might be a major mistake. Here are four reasons why.

1. Little Problems Could Become Big Ones

Many people procrastinate when it comes to visiting their local dentist because they fear the unknown. They might worry they have a bad tooth and delay seeing a dentist in hopes of the problem going away. When a problem starts with a tooth, such as tooth decay, it only worsens over time. You might slow it down with more frequent brushing, but a dentist is the only one who can fix it before it turns into something worse.

2. Delays Can Trigger Higher Treatment Costs

If you wait too long to see your local dentist, you might need a root canal, crown, or other costly dental procedures. You'll spend more time in the dentist's chair and are more likely to experience discomfort due to how badly your oral health might have deteriorated. Regular visits done two or three times a year for dental cleanings and examinations give you the best chance of maintaining your teeth and good dental hygiene.

3. Gum Disease Might Worsen

Gum disease often affects people who procrastinate on seeing their dentist and don't take the best care of their teeth. Frequent examinations document your oral health, and regular cleanings limit the potential for tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease can cause bad breath and develop an infection that might affect several teeth or even your jaw. In a worst-case scenario, an infection might endanger life. Instead of taking chances, seeing your dentist sooner helps ensure good oral health.

4. Dental Insurance Might Cover the Cost

Dental insurance is relatively affordable and can pay for common visits to your local dentist. Examinations and dental cleanings might be fully covered and cost you nothing more than your monthly insurance premium. Even if the procedures aren't fully covered, your insurance should pay for a good amount of it and make it more affordable to maintain your teeth and gums with frequent visits to your dentist.

If you are overdue for dental care, you can reach out to our friendly staff and schedule an appointment to examine and clean your teeth. Our team at Nicoma Park Dental is available by phone or you can request an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you.