March 6th marks National Dentist’s Day, which was created to honor and show appreciation to dentists. Let’s be honest, a visit to the dentist is not something most people look forward to. For some, the thought of going to the dentist can induce fear and anxiety, resulting in avoidance. To help overcome those fears and remind us why we need to show a little love on National Dentist’s Day, here are the five ways the dentist helps protect our health:

 1. Detecting disease:

Your mouth can say a lot about your overall health. Although you may be going in for a simple oral check-up, dentists are also looking for other signs that may indicate a health issue. An examination of teeth and gums provides the dentist with information that helps detect other infections and disease. Various studies show that as much as 90% of all systemic diseases including diabetes, oral cancer, heart disease, leukemia, and kidney disease have oral symptoms. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly.

2. Creating and maintaining your dream smile:

Achieving and maintaining a sparkling smile is the goal. If you have problems with your smile, whatever they may be, there is most likely a dental treatment or procedure that can improve or fix it. Below are some of the common problems and the dental solutions available:

  • Crooked or crowded teeth – traditional orthodontics or Invisalign
  • Discoloration or misshapen teeth – cosmetic procedures can whiten and reshape
  • Cracked, chipped or damaged teeth –  advanced dentistry, crowns and veneers
  • Tooth decay and gum disease – twice a year cleanings dental exams

3. Providing care for patients of various ages and stages:

Dentists treat patients as early as one years-old through adulthood and into the senior years. Some dentists offer specialized care for children or older patients, but many will treat all ages. Regardless, the dentist will personalize care to address specific concerns as we age and provide relevant information and treatments to ensure the well-being of your teeth and oral health. When you have consistency of care it allows you to build and maintain a trust with your dentist, which can help alleviate dental anxiety. It also allows

4. Educating patients on the importance of nutrition:

Good nutrition habits can positively impact your oral health.  In addition to teaching patients the importance of taking proper care of your teeth and gums, the dentist will teach patients about foods and beverages that are beneficial or detrimental to your oral health and make suggestions on healthier alternatives to add to your diet.

5. Creating ways for you to afford care:

While not everyone is fortunate enough to have dental insurance, everyone can have access to dental care. Many dentist practices will work with patients without insurance and provide options like payment plans, in-office programs that make basic dental services more affordable such as the ArtisticD Cares program or offer services like CareCard. The goal is to make dental care accessible and affordable to all patients.

 

If you want to learn more about Artistic Dental’s services, find out more about the ArtisticD Cares Plan or schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, call (602) 840-5400 or email us at frontoffice@artisticd.com.