It can be easy to neglect your health by making poor decisions, especially during your hectic schedule and fast-paced lifestyle.  Caring for your teeth should be at the top of your priority list.  Aside from brushing and the “F-word” known as flossing, there are other ways in which you could be carelessly mistreating your pearly whites.  Steer clear of these 3 common mistakes when it comes to tooth care:

1. Missing regular dentist checkups due to this bad economic time.
Times are tough…no joke!  The majority of Americans are rethinking their financial situation and finding ways to budget.  Unfortunately, this may include putting off your regular dental visits.  Many patients come to the conclusion that “I don’t have a toothache so everything must be fine” attitude or “I probably have cavities but I’ll just live with it” and therefore spare the cost of seeing their dentist.  However, it is vital to maintain your regular check-ups as well as your dental cleanings every 6 months.  Early detection of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities may sometimes have no signs or symptoms at all that would prompt you to see your dentist before it becomes severe, painful and very costly.

2. Ignoring dental pain thinking it will go away.
Ouch! Dental pain can come from an array of sources including a cracked tooth, tooth eruption, tooth impaction, exposed root, cracked root, exposed nerve, dental cavities, gum disease, lodged food debris and TMJ discomfort, to name a few. Overlooking the feeling of pain can be dangerous.  The sensation known as pain operates as your body’s warning system which indicates to your brain that there is a problem that requires immediate attention.  Alert! Alert! Ignoring pain may cause infection and other serious and more agonizing health problems that could become more excruciating (and not to mention, expensive) than the original source of tooth pain.  Most of the time, the origin of dental pain and their treatments are often fairly simple if you seek help from a dentist right away.

3. Not doing your research in choosing dental specialists.
Whether you are moving to a new area or you are unhappy with your current dentist, finding a dentist that is a perfect match for you can be challenging.  Where to start!?! Yellow pages?  Internet? Word of mouth? Closest dental office?  Yes, these are all things to take into account.  Also, does the dentist accept your insurance?  Does the dentist offer multiple payment options? Aaah! So much to consider! Relax, an easy way to get started is to call or write your local or state dental society to locate a dentist with the specific credentials you are looking for.  You may also visit DoctorBase to browse the verified unbiased reviews.  Do not be afraid to contact the dental offices you may be interested in and inquire about their appointment schedule, fees, emergency care and any other questions you may have.  Remember, a decent office staff person will not think any of your questions are stupid. Go visit the office.  Does the office appear to be clean?  Was the office staff nice to you?  After you have completed your research, make an appointment for a consultation.  Ask the dentist questions.  Hopefully, you will be able to feel out the dentist and make a decision. If you are not happy, move on.  With the precise research you will find your perfect match.

-Katie