Did you know that more than 3.5 billion people globally live with some form of oral disease? Moreover, only about 60 percent of Americans have had a routine dental visit in the last 12 months. Regular dental care is essential to discover teeth issues earlier on and start treatment to stop their development.
But how often should you go for a dental checkup? And why is it imperative to do it on a regular basis? Well, experts recommend having regular dental care after every 6 months. Continue reading to find out why.
Discover Cavities
Cavities are small teeth that develop as a consequence of improper oral hygiene. Regular flossing and brushing can prevent caries, but sometimes a toothbrush cannot clean the teeth thoroughly.
As a result, plaque builds up that leads to tartar and finally cavities. These teeth issues rarely provide warning signs, so a dentist visit can help you discover and treat them earlier on.
Detect Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that entails drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and not brushing your teeth.
Unfortunately, this type of dangerous disease doesn’t provide a warning signal, but it can be quickly discovered using a very simple exam. Oral cancer in its early stages can be easily treatable and the dental exam to discover it is painless and easy to do.
Discover Gum Disease
Gum disease is equally dangerous as it can advance quietly. It is also caused by excessive tartar and plaque buildup. The gum tissue can get infected and cause bleeding in worst-case scenarios.
At the same time, untreated gum disease can even attack the bones that keep teeth in place, compromising the whole oral health. A simple exam can detect gum disease and take the necessary precautions if it is discovered.
Assess for Lymph Nodes Swelling
Dentists may also perform additional checks that involve your head, neck, and the lymph nodes located below your jaw.
These check-ups are necessary to discover swelling or other forms of issues that may indicate a major health issue. If some of your lymph nodes are swollen, your dentist may refer you to the appropriate medical professional for additional tests.
Discover Hidden Teeth Issues Using an X-Ray Scan
In some cases, dentists may also perform X-ray scans in your own mouth to discover problems that are usually hidden from plain sight. For example, some people complain of persistent infections or teeth pain that doesn’t go away.
These indicators may be caused by blocked teeth, particularly the wisdom ones. Your dentist could perform an X-ray if necessary to make sure that your oral health is not affected by hushed dental abnormalities.
Now You Know Why You Want to Take Advantage of Routine Dental Care
As you can see, performing regular dental care is necessary for so many very good reasons.
Your teeth are some of the most important components of your body. Without them, you cannot feed yourself or you’d do it with great difficulty. Spend some time caring for your teeth and you’ll definitely never regret it in the future.