Going to the dentist may not be at the top of your to-do list. But getting regular dental checkups is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
People who practice preventative dentistry are less likely to face serious and costly dental issues that require invasive treatment. If you’re thinking of skipping your next dental checkup due to time, cost, or anxiety, you should reconsider.
Seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent dental problems in the future. Here’s a look at the importance of regular dental checkups.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Regular brushing and flossing are critical to good dental health. But even diligent dental habits can’t prevent some buildup of plaque or tartar.
Dental hygienists know how to clean hard-to-reach areas with special tools that eliminate plaque. As plaque builds up in your mouth, it leads to tartar.
As tartar hardens, it’s hard to brush away. Having a regular scale and polish is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and avoid cavities and other dental problems.
Find Hidden Problems
On some dental visits, your dentist may recommend getting x-rays of your teeth and jaw. These images allow your dentist to see anything that may be going on beneath the surface.
X-ray images can detect hidden issues such as swelling, impacted teeth, or bone decay. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatments that can save your tooth and prevent costly dental treatments in the future.
Oral Cancer Check
Oral cancer can be a serious or even deadly disease. It’s often misdiagnosed and can quickly progress and become life-threatening.
Finding oral cancer in its early stages is key to successful treatment. A small bump or spot you may ignore could be oral cancer.
Your dentist should perform a screening for oral cancer at each checkup. Early diagnosis is key and greatly increases the chances of survival.
Keep Gum Disease at Bay
You can have gum disease without realizing it. Over time, plaque and tartar erode gum tissue.
The early stages of gum disease may have no symptoms. Your dentist can detect gum disease you may not be able to see.
Your dentist will examine your gums to check for firmness and look for receding gums or deep gum pockets. In most cases, early gum disease will go away with improved dental habits.
Save Your Teeth
Putting off cleanings can lead to a host of dental issues, including tooth decay. If you wait too long to take care of a filling, you may lose your tooth or need a root canal.
Losing your permanent teeth may cause your teeth to shift. This can change the look of your jawline and your smile.
In most cases, all of this is preventable. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to take care of your teeth, gums, and smile.
Dental Hygiene Education
Some people don’t learn about dental hygiene as children, and they carry those bad habits into adulthood. Many people don’t brush regularly and never floss.
Over time, these bad habits can lead to gum disease and cavities. Dentists and dental hygienists understand the benefits of good dental hygiene and preventative dentistry.
That’s why they take time at your appointment to stress the benefits of regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
Love Your Smile
Everyone wants a great smile. But years of bad habits or poor dental hygiene can take a toll on your teeth.
Visiting your dentist every six months can work wonders for your smile. Regular professional cleanings will keep your pearly whites looking their best.
If you aren’t happy with your smile, talk to your dentist about what treatments might work for you. They can recommend the latest options to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Treat Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath is a real problem for many people. Years of poor dental hygiene may result in a condition called halitosis.
Mouth wash may help but will not eliminate the problem. Your dentist can pinpoint the cause of the problem and offer possible solutions.
Sometimes chronic halitosis can indicate a serious medical issue. That’s another reason why it’s important to see a dentist to evaluate the problem.
Use Your Dental Benefits
Many people fail to use their dental benefits each year. Most dental plans pay for free checkups and cleanings twice a year.
These checkups are an important part of your overall healthcare. And they are too important to pass up.
Skipping dental checkups can put you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure.
Don’t disregard your dental benefits. Take advantage of free cleanings to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.
Cosmetic Issues
Many people dislike their smiles. A misshapen tooth or gapped teeth can affect the way you see yourself and the way you present yourself to the world.
When you’re worried about the way you look, you can’t relax or enjoy yourself in public situations. If you feel self-conscious about a cosmetic dental issue, talk to your dentist.
They may be able to fix the problem or recommend the right course of action. Talk to your dentist about your concerns during your next dental checkup.
The Benefits of Preventative Dentistry
Dental professionals aren’t there to simply fill cavities. A big part of their job is preventative dentistry.
Regular dental checkups will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. And your dentist will check for any abnormalities that could indicate any potential health issues.
Skipping your dental appointment may not seem like a big deal. But it is!
Put your health first and visit your dentist at least once a year. Our Coogee dental office is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.