Have you skipped your regular dental checkup? If so, you are not alone. In fact, in a Gallup poll conducted in 2013, one third of Americans said they did not visit the dentist at all in the past year. This is unfortunate because regular dental visits provide an opportunity for your dentist to spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. That is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist regularly: every six months for most people. However, if you have dental health problems such as periodontal disease or tooth decay, you may need to visit the dentist more frequently.
The same Gallup poll showed that women are more likely to visit the dentist than men. It also found marked differences between different age groups and races. For example, fifty-five percent of both African Americans and Hispanics reported visiting the dentist at least once during the last year while the percentage of whites and Asians was seventy. Adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine were the least likely to have visited the dentist during the last year. Interestingly, married adults are more likely to visit the dentist than single adults. Perhaps the most dramatic differences in dental habits were among the different income groups. This makes sense because access to care is mainly determined by financial resources and/or employer provided dental insurance. Those who earn $120,000 or more annually are about twice as likely as those who earn $12,000.00 or less to visit the dentist each year.
The bottom line is that getting regular dental care including visiting your dentist for regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams is very important. Getting good dental care now can prevent you from needing more costly and painful dental care in the future. If you skipped your last dental appointment, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
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