Even though the effectiveness of apples is still up for debate, most of us are at least familiar with the common phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Coined in 1913, this phrase is actually based off of a saying that goes back as far as 1866: "eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread."If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then the best way to keep the dentist away… is actually by visiting more often! Try to commit this to memory:"Visit the dentist at least once a year to keep your teeth healthy and your smile clear."Some dentists prefer to schedule bi-annual visits every six months, but if you aren't able to commit to that then a yearly visit is almost as good. Even if you have impeccable dental health at home (which involves flossing as well as brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time), you can't kill plaque or tartar by yourself — which is why visiting your dentist on a consistent basis is imperative. Left untreated, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to cavities and, if left untreated long enough, may require not just a filling but a root canal.Visiting the dentist on a regular basis will help reduce your risk for more serious dental issues and allow us to catch problems much earlier. The earlier we catch problems, the more likely we'll be able to address them during your current appointment, instead of asking you to come back later on.Don't get us wrong: we LOVE having you visit our offices and would happily see you every month if we could! Although we love seeing you, we understand that visiting the dentist isn't everyone's favorite pastime.A lot of this has to do with misconceptions surrounding dental visits, and the fear of the unknown that many people who avoid the dentist have. The longer you put off a dental visit, the scarier it can seem to finally go back.Here's the good news: no matter how long it's been, we'll be able to help you get back on a regular schedule that works to ensure as few visits as possible.Although yearly or bi-annual visits work best for most patients, if you have an ongoing oral health problem, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits. Even if that's the case, a scheduled visit is always preferable over emergency dental care.And if you're considering putting off your dental visits for even longer, we'd like to urge extreme caution: avoiding the dentist can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth staining, and more serious problems. Your dentist isn't just checking your teeth; they're on the lookout for symptoms of diabetes, oral cancer, hypertension, and issues related to your kidneys and even your heart.With that in mind, there's no time to lose! We offer same-day and Saturday appointments to fit every kind of schedule, so don't wait — schedule your annual appointment today.