When you are thinking of all that you have to do around this time of year – buying presents, decorating the house, picking out that new ugly sweater to buy – going to the dentist probably isn’t on the list. But if you’ve been putting off that dental appointment, now is the time! For one thing, you want to make sure you take full advantage of your dental benefits before the year ends! For another, you want to make sure that you can begin the new year with a clean bill of dental health, with no cavities!
Why worry if you have a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that forms when tooth enamel is worn down. This happens when plaque adheres to teeth and isn’t properly cleaned off. A little hole in your tooth may not seem like a big deal, but a little cavity is the first sign of future painful problems – problems that can be prevented if you get that cavity filled.
If the cavity is not treated, it gives bacteria the chance to get down deep into the tooth. The inside of the tooth (the pulp) may get infected and you may need a root canal. If you don’t go to the dentist for a checkup, you may not even know you have a cavity until it has done serious damage to the tooth and until it is causing you serious pain. You may have tooth sensitivity and a toothache, you may notice your gums are bleeding, and you may have facial swelling.
As you can see, a little hole in your tooth can lead to big problems. And of course, the best way to avoid cavities is to brush and floss thoroughly, and see your dentist at least twice a year so he or she can check for any problems.
The end of the year can be a very busy time, but you don’t want to leave any of that insurance money “on the table.” Take full advantage of your insurance benefits by scheduling that dental cleaning or procedure you’ve been putting off. Call Hampton Dental Associates in Milwaukee for an appointment. Call (414) 464-9021 today!
