Stillwater Dental Wellness Center: “My teeth don’t hurt, so why should I see a dentist? In fact, I haven’t seen one for years!”

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Relax in the waiting room at Stillwater Dental Wellness Center.
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Relax in the waiting room at Stillwater Dental Wellness Center.

We all know someone who boasts that they haven’t seen a dentist in years, saying, “Well, my teeth don’t hurt, so why should I bother?”

Speaking with Dr. Jim Telloian of Stillwater Dental Wellness Center, it’s clear that the response is that visiting the dentist is also about creating good habits that promote a healthy mouth. He stresses that you should choose a dentist and avoiding waiting until pain sets in to see the dentist.

First, he explained that an individual may not experience pain, or show any signs of oral health issues, but this does not mean that he or she has healthy teeth and gums. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 23% of adults 20 to 64 have untreated decay. This often goes undetected by an individual until the decay has progressed and serious issues have developed. “If you wait until you are in pain you may need a more serious procedure to correct the problem,” said Dr. Telloian.

Regular cleanings—every six months is ideal—give your dentist the chance to examine your teeth and gums in order to detect, early on, any signs of problems.

When choosing a dentist, Dr. Telloian suggests asking a few questions before scheduling that first appointment:

  1. Where did you receive your education?
  2. What is your post-graduate education? Did you receive advance training for cosmetic dentistry? Where?
  3. How long have you been in practice? Dr. Telloian advocates for continuity of care—seeing the same dentist year after year is a great way to receive preventative care, which will cost a lot less than avoiding the dentist in the long run.

Dr. Telloian believes in prevention, stating that it is important not to wait until you are in pain before seeing your dentist. Maintaining a healthy mouth involves regular cleanings, brushing, flossing and rinsing.

For more information about Stillwater Dental Wellness Center and preventative dental care, call 360-352-0847.

 

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