Top 10 Reasons to Visit a Dentist Today

The top reasons to visit a dentist today come down to one idea: most dental problems are easier and more comfortable to deal with when they are small. A regular check-up and cleaning finds decay, gum infection, wear and other issues early, often before you feel anything. If you have been putting off an appointment, here are ten good reasons to schedule one now, and what each looks like at the Timonium office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS.

The top 10 reasons to visit a dentist

1. Catch dental problems while they are small

Decay, infection and other problems usually start quietly. A thorough exam with digital X-rays looks for them early, while they are easier to treat. Digital X-rays appear on screen right away with less radiation than standard dental X-rays, and intraoral cameras zoom in on each section of your mouth, so you can see what Dr. Haywood sees and understand why any treatment is recommended.

2. Remove the plaque and tartar that home care misses

Brushing and flossing are essential, but plaque and tartar still build up in the spots they miss, and hardened tartar can only be removed with professional instruments. The practice recommends a professional cleaning every six months, and cleaning appointments here last a full 60 minutes, so each tooth gets cleaned thoroughly instead of rushed. Read why you still need cleanings if you brush and floss.

3. Check your gums before gum disease gets a foothold

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it often causes no pain in its early stages. Bleeding, swollen or receding gums and bad breath can all be signs of gum infection. Treatment can control and even reverse the early stages, and care at the practice is non-surgical, removing the bacteria beneath the gums that drive the disease. Learn about gum disease treatment.

4. Have an oral cancer screening

An oral cancer screening is part of your regular check-up. It is quick and pain-free, and it checks the soft tissues of your mouth, throat and tongue. The office uses ViziLite, which helps make abnormal cells easier to see, and recommends that all patients over eighteen be screened every year, especially anyone who smokes, anyone over 40 and anyone with a family history of cancer. See oral cancer screening.

5. Treat a cavity before it becomes a bigger job

A cavity caught early usually needs only a filling. DIAGNOdent, a laser that can detect small amounts of decay at the earliest stages, sometimes finds it before it shows on an X-ray. As a mercury-free practice, fillings here are tooth-colored composite that bonds to the tooth and blends in, and air abrasion can gently remove small areas of decay with no heat, pressure or vibration.

6. Stop dental pain before it turns into an emergency

Dental pain rarely gets better on its own. A tooth that aches, throbs when you chew or reacts to hot and cold is telling you something, and an infected tooth can lead to an abscess and swelling. If you are in pain now, call as early in the day as you can: existing patients can reach Dr. Haywood for true emergencies, and new patients are seen on weekdays as time allows. See emergency dental care.

7. Protect your teeth from grinding and jaw strain

Grinding slowly wears down and cracks enamel, often without you noticing, and jaw tenderness or frequent head and neck aches can point to a TMJ disorder. Your check-up includes a look at your bite. Comfortable, clear bite guards custom-made for you help protect your teeth from further wear, and a full TMJ evaluation, which may include bite analysis, comes before any treatment. Read about TMJ treatment.

8. Get help with dry mouth and decay risk

Decay rates increase with age, and medications and dry mouth can set the stage for root decay. For anyone who prefers to avoid fluoride, the practice offers calcium rebuilding treatments to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages, along with super sealants that seal the chewing surfaces of teeth and come with a lifetime warranty. Xylitol mints and lollipops also help reduce decay risk. Ask which of these suits you, and read more about preventive care and cleanings.

9. Talk about the smile you want

A routine visit is a good time to ask about the things that bother you when you look in the mirror. The practice offers in-office laser teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear aligners and dental implants to replace missing teeth, all in the same Timonium office. You don’t need to know which treatment is right before you come in; that is what the conversation is for. See teeth whitening and dental implants.

10. Look after your overall health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. The health of your gums has been linked to serious health risks such as diabetes and cardiac disease, so caring for your teeth and gums helps protect your overall health, too. Your first visit includes a review of your health history and medications, and your treatment plan is built around your needs, your comfort and your budget.

What happens at a check-up visit

1. A conversation first. Your appointment starts with your dental concerns, health history and medications, and whether fear is a problem for you.
2. A thorough exam. Dr. Haywood carefully evaluates your teeth and gums, takes X-rays and photos, and looks at your bite for TMJ issues. An oral cancer screening is part of the check-up.
3. A clear explanation of your options. Your X-rays appear on screen, and the team walks you through what needs doing, what can safely wait and exactly what it costs, before anything begins.

If it has been a while, or you are nervous

Plenty of patients here started out nervous. Laughing gas is complimentary on request, oral sedation is available, and the spa-like office offers paraffin wax hand treatments and aromatherapy. If it has been years since your last visit, read what coming back to the dentist is like, and learn about sedation dentistry.

Paying for your visit

The practice is out of network with all dental insurance providers. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim on your behalf so your plan can reimburse you for whatever it covers. Health savings and flex plans are welcome, and financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months. See financing options.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The practice recommends a check-up and professional cleaning every six months. Some patients, such as those treated for gum disease or with dental implants, may be advised to come every 3 to 4 months.

What if I have to miss my dental appointment?

Life happens. If you are ill or something comes up, call the office to reschedule rather than letting the visit slide for months. The practice asks for at least 72 business hours’ notice when you need to cancel.

Is it too late to see a dentist if I haven’t been in years?

No. Every visit starts with a conversation, not a drill, and the team explains what needs doing, what can safely wait and what it costs before anything begins.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. New patients are always welcome, and you can complete your forms online at forms.flossem.com before your first visit. See new patient information.

Schedule your check-up in Timonium

If any of these reasons sounds like you, today is a good day to book. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, and patients come from Timonium, Towson, Hunt Valley, Baltimore and Shrewsbury, PA. Office hours are Monday 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Learn more about general dentistry in Timonium.