Dental appointments should not just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. It is important to have a schedule for a dental check-up because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. In order to ensure this, you need to visit your dentist regularly, once every six months in minimal, or sooner as specified by your dentist. Most people do not like to employ a preventive approach to health care and only visit the medical center when things go wrong.
However, this is a dangerous way of dealing with your oral health as the food we eat every day leaves our teeth and gums exposed to bacteria that develop from the decay of food stuck in the mouth. If you skip regular dental check-ups for any particular reason, it’s important to take a look at the risks involved. You could miss one check-up and find yourself paying more money later on for a corrective procedure. Therefore below are the other urgent reasons why you need to visit the dentist regularly:
- Detection of Gum Disease
The gums are very sensitive, and the build-up of plaque and tartar can affect them significantly. This does not only lead to tooth decay but can also cause an infection at the point where the tooth and gums are connected. The infection is often called gingivitis and becomes worse as the tissue that keeps the teeth in place is weakened. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and when it becomes worse, you will experience swelling, bleeding, and soreness in the mouth. This infection does not only affect the gums as it breaks down the bones that hold the teeth in place. This can lead to loosening of the teeth and some teeth may even start falling out. Once gum disease gets to this point, a dentist will have to take drastic action to treat the condition. Gum disease can affect anyone since it is caused by the build-up of food particles in the mouth and no one is entirely safe from it. Going to the dentist’s earlies for check-ups can help you to detect this disease while it is still in its early stages.
- Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that manifests itself in various ways. Without knowing the signs of its early onset, oral cancer is often not diagnosed and can quickly progress and become life-threatening. But, gratefully, an early stage oral cancer diagnosis is often easily treatable. The dentist is highly trained to recognize these signs and symptoms, and with regular dental check-ups every six months the likelihood of catching oral cancer in time is dramatically higher. Recognizing oral cancer in its early stages is key in treating it successfully, and while you do not notice oral abnormalities, your dentist will.
- Plaque, Tartar, 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. Regular dental cleanings prevent tartar from eroding teeth or creating holes in them, which is how cavities are created. Cavities rarely give any warning signs as they form, only resulting in a small ache once the tooth is already decayed. Once the damage has been done, you will have to go back to the dentist to have cavities and other tooth problems filled and fixed. This can all be avoided with regular cleanings that take care of plaque and tartar before it becomes destructive.
- Monitoring Bad Habits
Some habits are bad for our oral health. The fun fact is that we may not realize the impact these habits have on our health. Some bad habits examples such as crushing ice, biting nails and grinding teeth, eating sweets, and smoking among others. Most of these things are habits we partake in daily, and you won’t know if they are affecting your oral health without going for a check-up. A dentist can check for any damage to your teeth when you go for a check-up and advice you on what to do and what habits to avoid. It is good to be informed about some of these destructive habits that you might have been oblivious to so that you can tweak your lifestyle and avoid damaging your teeth’ future.
- Checking Beneath The Surfaces
Most of the problems affecting our teeth are visible on the surface, and you can even notice them by just looking in the mirror. A major part of visiting a dentist every six months is getting your jaw and teeth x-rayed so that they can identify what is happening beneath the surface. Some common problems include impacted teeth as seen with wisdom teeth that may be painful when they emerge. You could also be suffering from jaw injuries and bone swelling among others. All these things are hard to notice without an x-ray, and they could be the cause of other problems with your teeth. These problems with the jaw and tooth structure are major issues, and a dentist can recommend the best corrective procedures for treating them as soon as possible.
- Prevent Halitosis or Bad Breath
The deep cleaning methods of dental cleaning will prevent or stop bad breath from developing. The food lodged in the teeth and hard to reach areas is removed. If you rely on just brushing your teeth, these won’t get removed. An annual tooth cleaning and dental check-ups are the best way to have a fresh-smelling breath.
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. 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 check-up you are doing yourself a big favor in the long run.
Prime Plus Medical Clinic provides general dentistry treatments, as well as cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments. Therefore, whether you are planning to have your regular preventive treatment, restore your teeth, or simply want to take the opportunity to enhance your appearance through your improved smile, our dentist’s team at Prime Plus Medical will be happy to assist you and provide you with our best care and results.
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