Spring is finally here! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and nature is starting to come alive again. That makes now the perfect time to tackle the things that have been on your to-do list all winter.

For example, many people tend to put off making their biannual trips to the dentist. Since spring is here, why not invest in a spring cleaning for your teeth? Here are a few reasons why getting that preventive care is important.

Dentists Clean Every Nook and Cranny

No matter how diligent you are in brushing and flossing, there are some places in your mouth that you can’t reach alone. If you put off going to the dentist, you may find that you have plaque and tartar buildup in those places, which can increase your chances for gum disease and tooth decay.

By seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings, you can ensure that you don’t have any nasty buildup between your teeth. That will keep your mouth looking and feeling fresh.

You Can Catch Problems Early

There are many oral health conditions that it benefits you to catch early. For example, gum disease is degenerative, meaning that it only gets worse with time. If you wait too long, it can become irreversible—bacteria that may have just inflamed your gums at first can begin to attack the bone tissue underneath the gum line, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Regular dentist trips keep your mouth clean, but allow your dentist to catch on to these problems early, and treat them as they arise.

Checkups Save You Money

If you have dental insurance, you may have noticed that preventive visits tend to be covered at a much higher rate than restorative treatments. That means that waiting for a problem to get bad enough to warrant a filling or a root canal will be much more expensive than catching it early at a checkup.

 If you’ve been avoiding the dentist’s office for a while, there’s no time like the present to get into the habit of seeing them regularly.

About the Author

Dr. Jamie Guthrie knows that, as a dentist, she’ll often work with patients who initially aren’t excited to see her. That’s why she works hard to earn people’s trust by providing immaculate dental care with a gentle touch. Dr. Guthrie received her degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry, and she has since completed the coursework at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Education.

If you want to know a little more about how you can brighten your smile, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (580) 224-9600.