Have you had a dental appointment yet this year? Frequent dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health, but regrettably, many people wait until there is a problem before scheduling an appointment. But, dental appointments are not only necessary in cases of dental emergencies or problems. Frequent dental checkups can aid in identifying issues early on and, in some situations, help prevent them from happening at all. Learn about four reasons why you should visit your dentist frequently in the next paragraphs.
This year, have you been to the dentist yet?
To maintain good oral health, regular dental visits are essential. Unfortunately, many people put off visiting the dentist until something is wrong. Appointments with the dentist are not best dentistb only necessary in cases of dental emergencies or problems, though. Frequent dental exams can help identify issues before they become serious and, in some cases, even stop them from happening. Discover four reasons why you should visit your dentist frequently by reading on.
1: REGULAR DENTAL VISITS CAN HELP PREVENT CAVITIES
Dental plaque that has accumulated causes cavities by eating away at the tooth enamel and leaving a tiny hole behind. A thin, clingy layer of germs called plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth. Acidic meals and drinks, processed foods, and sugar-filled sodas can all cause cavities by eroding tooth enamel. If the decay is caught early enough, your dentist can save your tooth and stop additional deterioration by performing a dental filling surgery.
Cavities can result in a tooth abscess, an infection, if they are not addressed. Moreover, untreated cavities can kill the tooth pulp (or inside of the tooth). If this happens, the tooth might need to be removed.
2: REGULAR DENTAL VISITS CAN HELP PREVENT GUM DISEASE
When plaque is not rapidly removed from the teeth, people can develop gum disease. Lack of brushing, flossing, and cleaning causes plaque buildup. Without being removed, this plaque may harden and develop into tartar. Only a professional dental cleaning can get rid of tartar.
Remember that gum disease often progresses slowly and without noticeable pain. You could not know you have an advanced stage until it is too late if you don’t go to the dentist. Gum and bone structure degeneration, as well as eventual tooth loss, are all effects of gum disease. Visit our blog, Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, to discover more about the risks associated with gum disease.
3: REGULAR DENTAL VISITS CAN HELP TREAT SENSITIVITY
Either exposed tooth roots or eroded tooth enamel might cause sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by other conditions such gum disease, cavities, broken teeth, or worn fillings. More than 12% of patients, according to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), have sensitive teeth.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you are having tooth sensitivity issues. The sensitivity can indicate more than just deteriorated enamel. For instance, you can have an abscess or cavity that isn’t yet apparent. Your dentist will identify the precise issue and be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action for treatment. Visit our blog, Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Treatment, if you want to learn more about tooth sensitivity.
4: REGULAR DENTAL VISITS CAN SCREEN FOR ORAL CANCER
A fast developing condition, oral cancer can affect the or pharynx or oral cavity (middle region of the throat). Men are twice as likely as women to develop it, according to statistics. The chance of acquiring oral cancer is increased by smoking and binge drinking. Also, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), if you’ve had oral cancer before, your risk of developing it again may be higher.
Oral cancer can be fatal if not detected and treated early. Thus, you should always talk to your dentist about any new oral changes or symptoms. Your dentist will check your mouth for indications of oral cancer during a visit. Your lips, cheek lining, gums, front of your tongue, and teeth are all examined.