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 maintain. If you have found yourself wondering what the point of having regular dental checkups and cleanings really is, we’ve got something for you to think about.
If you are thinking about skipping a dental checkup because of cost or another factor such as time or dental anxiety, make certain to think about all the risks. What you could wind up paying in the future for not visiting your dentist will likely be considerably higher, both for your own wallet and your peace of mind. Here are some of the most important reasons Why You Need to see your dentist regularly:
Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that manifests itself in various ways. Without understanding the indications of its early beginning, oral cancer is often not diagnosed and can certainly advance and eventually become life threatening. But thankfully, an early stage oral cancer diagnosis is often easily treatable.
Your dentist is highly trained to understand these signs and symptoms, and with regular dental checkups every six months the probability of catching oral cancer in time is dramatically higher. Recognizing oral cancer in its early stages is key in treating it successfully, and as you may not notice oral abnormalities, your dentist will.
A VELscope Cancer exam is non-invasive, completely pain-free, is covered by MSP in some cases, and lasts just a minute or two at most. The exam catches invisible signs of dead tissue caused by tumors forming by shining a special light within the mouth. Takes very little time, totally painless, and may save your life? It’s a no-brainer!
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 a regular brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up it becomes more difficult to eliminate, solidifying and turning to tartar, which is very difficult to get rid of without professional assistance.
Regular dental cleanings prevent tartar from eroding teeth or creating holes in them, which is the way that cavities are created. Cavities rarely offer any warning signs as they form, only resulting in a small ache when the tooth is already decayed. When 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.
A cleaning appointment is also more affordable than getting a filling, so if money’s tight you should make certain not to miss the cleanings!
Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup not just cause tooth decay but can also erode the mouth gum tissues. This happens when tartar buildup causes an infection where the gum is joined to the tooth, making the gum pull away from the tooth. This infection is referred to as gingivitis and as it progresses the tissue that attaches gums to the teeth breaks down.
When it reaches this point it is officially gum disease, and only at this stage will there likely be any swelling, swelling, or soreness in the moutharea. Along with the breakdown of gum tissue, gum disease also causes a breakdown of the bone that holds teeth in place.
At this point it is common to observe teeth loosening or falling out altogether and drastic treatment methods might have to be taken by a dental specialist.
Not merely do specialists need more appointments and probably a blow to your wallet, but treatment of gum disease, based on the seriousness, can consist of surgery, extremely heavy cleaning, and medication. To avoid all of this, regular dental cleanings are essential in catching and addressing gingivitis before it gets out of hand.
Maintaining Bad Habits in Assess
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 candies, brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee and red wine, and of smoking.
When you opt for regular dental checkups, your dentist can assess for any oral damage caused by these or other habits that you may otherwise not have noticed.
Being informed about specific destructive habits allows you to change or alter your lifestyle choice to prevent further damage. Visiting the dentist allows you to fix the damage that has already been done, and assist your oral health be the best it can be.
Find Issues 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 professionals to watch what is happening beneath the surfaces of the mouth, and can find and diagnose issues that may be invisible to the naked eye. Problems like this can comprise impacted teeth, which are developing teeth that are blocked from pushing through the gum line, as often seen in wisdom teeth.
Damage to the jawbone can also be pinpointed as well as any bone decay, swelling, cysts, or tumours, all of which are not possible to actually see without x-ray imaging. Finding these or any other major oral issues as soon as possible is critical in order to properly treat them.
Especially with destructive diseases that show little to no signs but progress quickly, up-to-date x-rays and bi-annual checkups are the best way to keep on top of your health.
Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks
In addition to checking your mouth, gums, and tongue for signs or oral cancer, your dentist may also check your throat, jaw, and lymph nodes, located just below your jawline, for any swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities. If an abnormality is found it could be a symptom of a major health issue, and your dentist may alert you to it and refer you the appropriate medical professional.
Swollen lymph nodes are a particular area that do not necessarily hurt or seem out of the ordinary but when identified properly by a professional could be a sign of certain kinds of cancer or other diseases that require immediate attention.
Not having regular dental checkups drastically cuts down often your throat and thyroid glands are assessed. So while searching for abnormalities only takes a dentist a minute, it may mean an extremely serious disease is identified early enough to make a massive difference.