Going to the dentist on a regular basis is more important than a lot of people think. From getting a regular professional teeth cleaning to having cavities taken care of and cosmetic procedures done, dental work can be beneficial in a wide variety of ways. And even something as simple as a professional teeth cleaning twice a year can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease (often referred to a periodontal disease).
Many Americans are living with unhealthy teeth and do not know it. In fact, one in every five people in the United States – around 20% – have at least one untreated cavity, if not more. Many people – around 15% of the population of the United States – have needed dentures to some degree as well, though many people only require partial dentures, crown and bridge replacements. Though dentures are never ideal, they can improve quality of life and are considered to be very effective. They are certainly not uncommon either, as around 15 million people have had at least one missing tooth replaced and around 3 million people have dental implants to some degree. Fortunately, dental implants have a nearly 100% success rate, meaning that when they are put in by a skilled dentist or dental surgeon, they will likely be effective for many years to come if given the proper upkeep and care.
Many people are concerned by the cosmetic appearance of their teeth as well. In fact, close to 80% of all adults believe that an unhealthy looking smile can actually hurt them in their career. And nearly 100% of all adults think that if they don’t have a healthy looking smile, it will hurt them socially. Over 30% of all people are concerned about how their teeth look, and nearly 20% will cover their teeth regularly out of self consciousness.
Fortunately, dental care goes far beyond just teeth cleaning. Though teeth cleaning is of course important and will contribute to the overall positive appearance of your teeth, many dental practices will perform teeth whitening services as well. These whitening services are typically very effective, with over 80% of patients noting a considerable difference in the color and overall appearance of their teeth. For the over 60% of Americans who find their teeth to be overly discolored, this is welcome news.
No matter what your concern with your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist regularly in order to keep them healthy. Keeping your teeth healthy through regular teeth cleaning and other maintenance will keep them looking nice as well, helping you to feel as confident as possible in your smile.
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