Visiting the dentist every six months is not something you may look forward to, but it is an appointment that you shouldn’t ignore. It is not a good idea to skip a dental checkup to save money or because you experience dental anxiety because you become vulnerable to a lot of risks. The cost you may end up paying in the long run for not visiting your dentist would be considerably higher, not only for your wallet, but also for your peace of mind. If you are wondering why you should see the dentist regularly, here are some excellent reasons to do so:
Tartar, plaque and cavities
Even if you brush and floss diligently, there are still some areas in the mouth that you will miss. It can be difficult to remove plaque if it builds up and it can solidify and turn into tartar. The latter can only be cleaned by a professional. Through regular dental cleaning, tartar will not be able to create holes in the teeth or erode them, thereby not allowing cavities to form. There are no warning signs of cavities; the tooth starts aching once it has decayed by which time it is too late. You can avoid all these issues with regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Gum disease
Not only is tooth decay caused by plaque and tartar, it also erodes the gum tissues in the mouth. This happens when an infection is caused by tartar buildup in the area where the tooth and gum connect. The gum pulls away from the teeth. Known as gingivitis, the infection progresses and eventually causes gum tissue to break down, resulting in gum disease. Now, you will experience soreness, bleeding and swelling and eventually your teeth may fall out. You may have to visit a dental specialist and drastic treatment methods may have to be used, which can be extremely costly. All of this can be avoided with regular checkups and professional cleaning.
Detection of oral cancer
One of the most serious diseases is none other than oral cancer, which can manifest itself in different ways. It is often undiagnosed because people don’t know the signs of early onset. But, it can progress very quickly and become life threatening. However, if it is diagnosed early, it can be treated. Experienced dentists are highly trained to recognize early symptoms. When you visit the dentist every six months, the chances of oral cancer being detected early are considerably higher, which means it can be treated successfully. Even if you don’t notice any oral abnormalities, the dentist will and can start treatment right away.
Assessing teeth health
A number of bad habits, such as clenching your jaw, biting your nails, grinding your teeth, chewing ice, brushing teeth too hard, drinking wine and coffee and smoking frequently can often cause oral damage. Regular dental checkups are a way to assess the damage so it can be controlled in time, before it becomes irreversible and causes you a lot of pain.
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