5 Ways a Long-Term Relationship With Your Dentist Benefits Your Oral Health
Keeping up with your dentist visits may not be at the top of your list of priorities, but receiving regular dental care is one of the best ways to take care of your oral health. You shouldn’t wait until something’s bothering you to contact a local dentist for the first time. Instead, you should build a long-term relationship with your Phoenix family dentist so that you’re always in the know about your oral health and hygiene.
Here are five benefits of having a long-term connection with your Phoenix dental care office:
1. You’re more likely to receive preventive dental care.
It is essential that you visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Keeping up with your dental cleanings will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, and visiting your dentist for preventive care gives them an opportunity to look for the early signs of dental problems. If your dentist notices the warning signs of an oral health issue, they may be able to help you reverse or stop the damage without major medical intervention. Fixing dental problems early will save you a great deal of time, money, and discomfort.
When you don’t have an existing relationship with a dentist, it’s easy to forget to schedule your checkups and cleanings. Life can be extremely busy, and before you know it, years can pass without a dentist visit. If you’re a regular patient with a dental office, though, they can reach out to you when it’s time to schedule your biannual appointment. Because they provided your last cleaning, they know exactly when to schedule you for the next one. Many dental offices also send holiday cards, newsletters, or other messages to their regular patients as a reminder of the importance of preventive dental care.
2. A good relationship with your dentist can ease your anxiety.
Dental anxiety is a serious issue for a number of patients. Maybe the fear of having a cavity or needing a tooth removed stops you from going to the dentist, or maybe the sounds or feeling of the dental equipment makes you anxious. Whatever your reason for feeling nervous about your dentist appointment, building a long-term relationship with your dentist can help to put your mind at ease.
When you’ve known your dentist for a number of years, you’ll feel much more comfortable around them than you would around a stranger. You’re familiar with their style and personality, so you know what to expect from a routine visit. If they know that you feel anxious about your appointment, they’ll do whatever they can to help you feel calm.
Feeling comfortable around your dentist also allows you to be honest and open about your concerns. You can be truthful about your oral hygiene habits with your family dentist in Phoenix without fear of judgment or criticism. If you’ve noticed any pain, discomfort, or other problems with your teeth or gums, you can mention these issues and trust that you’ll get the best advice.
3. A long-term relationship ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.
Miscommunication between healthcare professionals is one of the most common causes of medical mistakes. In all healthcare fields, providers try to minimize mistakes or oversights by reducing the number of transitions between professionals. When it comes to your dental care, the best way to maintain consistency and reduce the risk of miscommunication is to stick with the same dental office.
Sometimes, switching to a new dentist is necessary. For instance, if you recently moved or changed insurance plans, you may need to transition to a new provider. However, switching dentists every year for no reason could lead to mistakes or worse health outcomes. Every time one office has to transfer your records, there’s a chance that something will get lost or be overlooked. Now, your new dentist may not have your full dental history or a thorough understanding of your healthcare needs.
By maintaining a lasting relationship with your family dentist, you ensure that your records stay complete and consistent. Your dental office will have years of your dental records, so your dentist can more easily identify trends in your oral health. They’ll follow up about previous issues you’ve had to make sure the problems are resolved, and they’ll offer you the most accurate advice based on your dental history.
4. You have someone to contact during an emergency.
Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen to anyone. While preventive healthcare does reduce your risk of a crisis, you can never fully predict what will happen with your oral health. Here are some examples of dental emergencies that may require immediate attention:
- Broken or severely chipped tooth
- Knocked-out tooth from an impact to the face
- Bleeding gums
- Exposed nerves
- Unexplained swelling in your jaw or mouth
- Severe toothache
Experiencing a dental emergency can be incredibly overwhelming. You’re nervous about what will happen to your teeth, and you may be in extreme pain. Trying to figure out what to do and whom to contact while your stress levels are so high is difficult. However, if you already have a relationship with the best dentist in Phoenix, you can always give them a call.
Your dentist may be able to bring you in for an emergency visit to fix the problem. If they don’t have the resources or availability to handle the emergency, they will refer you to another office that can help. They’ll also follow up with you in a few days or weeks to make sure you received the care you need. When you know that you can reach out to your dentist with your concerns, an emergency becomes much less scary.
5. Your oral health affects your overall health.
Keeping up with your oral health doesn’t just benefit your teeth and gums. Your dental health is closely linked to your overall well-being, so visiting your dentist regularly is a great way to prioritize your medical needs.
One of the most important components of your dental health is your gum health. Gum disease and inflammation can increase the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream, which can contribute to heart disease and other serious health problems. Other conditions associated with gum disease include diabetes, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis.
Cases of gum disease can range from mild to severe. Addressing the problem before it worsens is the key to protecting your health and reducing your chances of developing other illnesses. When you visit your dentist regularly, they’ll watch out for the signs of gum disease and recommend treatments to reverse the problem in its early stages. In this way, receiving quality dental health care in Phoenix can literally be a lifesaver.
Taking care of your oral health is critical for your wellness. Your family dentist in Phoenix can help in the event of an emergency, but they also provide valuable preventive care so that you’re less likely to experience a crisis. When you have a long-term relationship with your dentist, keeping up with regular checkups is much easier. You’ll have better dental outcomes, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your dental healthcare is in the hands of someone you trust.
