Only 63% of adults in the US have scheduled a dental checkup in the past year. Without routine checkups, you could put your oral health at risk. For example, you might not realize you have a serious dental health issue until it’s already progressed.
On the fence about scheduling a regular dentist visit twice a year? Here are a few reasons it’s time to go!
Understanding the importance of a dental checkup could help you realize it’s time to make a change. Discover the benefits of routine appointments today!
Prevent Cavities
If you neglect to brush and floss your teeth properly, plaque will begin to develop. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that clings onto and between teeth. Plaque development occurs when your saliva mixes with bacteria and lingering food particles.
When left unattended for too long, plaque can harden into tartar.
You’ll need to schedule a dentist visit to have tartar removed from your teeth by a hygienist. Otherwise, tartar could encourage the spread of bacteria.
When bacteria feed on the food particles in your mouth, plaque will begin to produce acid. Acid can wear down protective tooth enamel, prompting cavities to develop.
Routine visits to your dentist’s office can help you prevent cavity formation. Though you might think you’re brushing and flossing enough, you might:
- Leave hard-to-reach areas untouched
- Neglect to floss your back teeth
- Brush too quickly
- Use the wrong toothpaste
Cavities can create holes in your teeth. If you wait too long to visit your dentist, the cavity might destroy the entire tooth.
A tooth abscess or infection can also develop if you neglect treatment. The infection can then enter your bloodstream, putting your overall health at risk.
Let your dentist know if you experience lingering sensitivity after consuming sweet foods/beverages. You might notice you’re more sensitive to hot and cold beverages, too. Otherwise, you might start experiencing toothaches.
If these symptoms of a cavity sound familiar, it’s time to schedule a checkup.
Protect Gums
Gingivitis, the initial state of gum disease, is an infection of the gums. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Symptoms include:
- Swollen or red gums
- Gums that feel tender
- Bleeding gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
- A change in how your teeth fit together (malocclusion)
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- New spaces between your teeth
Neglecting to visit your local dentist could cause your teeth to fall out.
Routine dental cleanings will clear away lingering plaque and tartar. Otherwise, both can contribute to gum disease development.
Each dental visit gives your dentist the chance to spot signs that there’s a problem. They could catch your gum disease during its initial state. Beginning treatment as soon as possible will help you avoid potential complications.
Freshen Your Breath
If you’re neglecting to brush twice a day, the bacteria in your mouth can linger and spread. They could contribute to bad breath.
Neglecting to floss thoroughly could increase your risk of gum disease. Even after brushing, you might notice a foul odor lingering. Your bad breath could indicate you have gingivitis.
If you’re unable to get rid of your bad breath by brushing and flossing, talk to your local dentist. Finding a Dentist Near Me can help you pinpoint the root cause of your bad breath. Then, you can make informed changes to improve your breath and oral health.
Otherwise, that bad breath might make social interactions awkward in the future.
Brighter Smiles
Drinking coffee, wine, energy drinks, and tea can cause your teeth to look discolored over time. Medications and smoking can cause your teeth to look dull, too. Your smile might also look discolored if you’re neglecting your oral health.
You can talk to your local dentist to determine the best way to brighten your smile.
For example, they might recommend cosmetic dentistry treatments, including professional teeth whitening. Using a kit at home isn’t as effective as an in-office treatment.
Visiting your dentist’s office twice a year can also help you make lifestyle changes that can benefit the appearance of your smile.
Improving the appearance of your smile can boost your confidence and quality of life.
Avoid Complications
Remember, neglecting to brush and floss can lead to problems like cavities and gum disease. These oral health issues can increase your risk of complications, like an infection.
If the infection enters your bloodstream, you could develop heart disease, endocarditis, or suffer a stroke.
Improving your oral health with routine dental checkups can benefit your overall health for years to come.
Education
Not everyone is aware of the proper ways to brush, floss, or prevent oral health issues before they occur. Your local dentist can provide you with the information you need for proper dental hygiene.
They can evaluate how you’re brushing and flossing to make recommendations.
For example, they might recommend you switch to a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Maybe you need to use an electric toothbrush to thoroughly clean your teeth instead.
Detect Cancer
Dentists can also look for signs that might lead to oral cancer. Catching these signs early on will ensure you begin the proper course of treatment. Otherwise, the disease could prove fatal if left unattended.
Dentists use special tools to look for the dead tissues that occur due to tumor development. For example, they might recommend a VELscope cancer exam.
Screening for cancer on a regular basis can give you peace of mind.
Save Money
Visiting your dentist for routine appointments will help you save money in the long run.
Remember, regular appointments can help you make changes to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other issues. If you have an oral health issue, treatment could prove expensive.
You can save money by avoiding those treatments before problems develop.
Healthy Smiles: Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup Today
Don’t neglect your oral health this year. Instead, consider scheduling a dental checkup. With routine appointments, you can make informed changes to improve your oral health.
Instead of worrying, you can show off your stunning, healthy smile with ease.
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