With schools across the country wrapping up and summer about to kick off, many people have already started compiling their vacation checklists. But not so fast! Before you pack that beach bag or create that road trip playlist, don’t forget to visit your dentist first. Here’s why it’s so important to have your preventive checkup and cleaning before you hit the road this sunny season!
The Importance of Preventive Dental Exams
The American Dental Association (ADA) does more than just put their seal on your favorite toothpaste. They also make oral health recommendations, like visiting your dentist every six months for your regular, preventive exams and cleanings. At these appointments, your dentist will screen you for things like cavities, infections, gum disease, and oral cancer. They can also treat any issues that have developed since your last visit, and your dental team will clean any plaque deposits from your teeth that could make them discolored and prone to cavities.
The Benefits of Traveling with a Healthy Mouth
If you’re hitting the road this season, it’s unlikely that your focus will be on your oral health. After all, you’ve got packing checklists to write and excursions to plan. But the truth is, keeping your teeth and gums safe while you travel is an important way to make your vacation more enjoyable. Who wants to spend their time off dealing with an emergency procedure? Thus, to make sure your mouth is in good condition and prevent any unexpected surprises, it makes sense to visit your dentist before you say farewell.
Another added advantage of having your preventive checkup before you head out the door is that your teeth will be professionally cleaned, so your smile will not only feel its best, but look its best in all those sizzling vacation selfies and family photos.
Finally, if you will be participating in any adventures like hiking, riding in a plane, or scuba diving, you may encounter changes in elevation that can make existing oral health problems more painful. Thus, having your dentist treat any cavities or decay or repair any fillings that may have come loose is a good way to prevent unnecessary toothaches that could arise from your extracurricular excursions.
Remember, your summer vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fun, not spent in an emergency dental office with an agonizing toothache. Thus, to protect your teeth and gums and get your megawatt grin ready for its closeup, schedule your six-month checkup and cleaning before you hit the road, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about this season!
About Dr. Carmen
Dr. Bobby Carmen earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and today is a Master of The Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has also taken numerous courses through Dawson Academy, Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, and the Misch International Implant Institute and serves as a board member on both the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry and the American Association of Dental Boards. To schedule an exam and cleaning, visit our website or call us today at 405-364-2200.