Benefits of visiting your dental office
Having to visit the dentist every six months may not be the appointment that everyone looks forward to, but it is one of the most important ones to keep good oral health. If you have found yourself wondering what the point of having regular dental checkups and cleanings, we have got something for you to think about.
If you are considering skipping a dental checkup because of cost or another factor like time or dental anxiety, make sure to consider all the risks. What you might end up paying in the long run for not visiting your nearest dentist will likely be much higher, both for your wallet and your peace of mind. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should see your dentist regularly:
Oral Cancer Detection: Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that manifests itself in various ways. Without knowing the signs of its early stages, oral cancer is often not diagnosed and can quickly progress and become life-threatening. But thankfully, an early stage oral cancer diagnosis is often easily treatable.
Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities: Even with the most diligent daily brushers and flossers, there are still small areas in the mouth that are missed by regular brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up it becomes more difficult to remove, solidifying and turning into tartar, which is extremely difficult to get rid of without professional help.
Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar accumulation not only create tooth decay but, can also disintegrate the mouth’s gum tissues. It happens when tartar buildup causes an infection where the gum is connected to the tooth, making the gum pull away from the tooth. This disorder is known as gum disease and as it grows the tissue that attaches gums to the teeth breakdown.
Keeping Bad Habits in Check: There are many bad habits that can have a negative impact on your oral health, some of which you may not even realize are causing issues. Some of these habits include chewing ice, biting your nails, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, eating particularly sticky or hard sweets, brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee, red wine, and of course smoking.
Find Problems Under the Surface With X-Rays: A crucial part of visiting your dentist every six months is getting your teeth, and jaw bone x-rayed. X-ray images allow dental experts to see what is happening beneath the surfaces of your mouth and can find and diagnose problems that may be invisible to the naked eye. Problems like this can include impacted teeth, which are growing teeth that are blocked from pushing through the gum line, as often seen in wisdom teeth.
So, Are Dental Checkups Worth the Effort?
Dentists and dental professionals are not only concerned with fixing teeth. They professionally clean your teeth, aim to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and check for abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed and could be a sign of larger health issues. Dental experts make sure that your bones are strong, and will help you correct any habits that may be sabotaging your oral health, among other things.
Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal, but oral issues can develop and progress extremely quickly whether or not you notice it. By keeping on top of your dental cleanings and checkups you are doing yourself a big favor in the long run.
