HOW WONDERFUL IS IT TO KNOW YOU CAN KEEP YOUR GREAT SMILE FOR LIFE? Although not everyone could do this in the past, fortunately today’s remarkable technologies and advanced materials, coupled with Dr. Pitt’s artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase the likelihood that you’ll keep a healthy smile you love to show off. We recognize with every dental procedure there are decisions that have to be made. We also understand these decision aren’t always easy, and sometimes they can even be confusing. To help you better understand dental service decision making, we’ve set up a simple little framework.
For starters, we divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:
- Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
- Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
- Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
- Your 65+ Year Old Smile
While you will only fit into one of these categories, you may have family and friends that could benefit from a different one. Feel free to share this, or any other post!
Must do. Should do. Could do.
Each day we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Dr. Pitts and everyone here has a goal to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.” Of course, these lists aren’t exhaustive—there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your oral health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a starting point, then let us know how we can help with more information. _______________________________________________________
Today’s Post Is About Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
IT MAY BE TEMPTING DURING THIS STAGE IN LIFE to skip or procrastinate regular check ups. Nothing hurts, you can’t see any problems in the mirror, and you’re making sure to brush and floss just like you’ve been taught. But too often what you don’t see causes the most trouble in the long run. For many, this stage of life is a big time for significant, long-term social interaction and career advancement.
Must Do
- Regular check ups for early signs of gum disease, cracks in teeth, infections, cavities and potential problems with fillings. Early detection can often prevent future larger issues.
- Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer with the worst five-year survival rate of all major cancers. This often goes easily unnoticed without exams.
- Gum disease can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of developing a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia which can lead to eclampsia, or seizures late in pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia can cause organ damage and even death. Be sure to have your regular checkups while pregnant in the first trimester.
- Wisdom teeth make their presence felt and can disrupt one’s bite causing long-term problems. Ask about how your wisdom teeth may affect your mouth.
Should Do / Could Do
- A healthy, gorgeous smile compliments your career and social life. Is there some little thing that would make you more confident when you smile? Dr. Pitts is ready to help or answer any questions.
- Surveys show that 92% of North Americans agree an attractive smile is a crucial social asset. Does your social life suffer because you’re uncomfortable smiling?
- The same survey shows that 74% believe that an unattractive smile hurts a person’s chances of career success. During this time in life, when most people are absorbed in career development, have you considered the confidence difference a great smile could make?
- Consider how the smile of your dreams could literally change your life—far more comfortably and affordably than ever before.
We’d love to hear what you think…Leave us a comment here or on our Facebook wall!
