Ask a General Dentist: What Can Happens If You Skip Your Check-Up?

General Dentist Carmel, IN

Many people visit the general dentist only when they have a dental problem. However, dental professionals have established that regular oral hygiene and dental checkups are at the center of preventative dentistry. Continue reading to learn about the consequences of skipping dental checkups.

The side effects of skipping dental appointments

Before removing dental checkups from the calendar, consider the potential situations that may happen due to that decision.

Plaque and tartar accumulation

Even with regular cleaning, the mouth is full of bacteria. These bacteria combine with food debris to create plaque. Plaque is acidic and can break down tooth enamel, which is why it needs to be cleaned off. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. Tartar causes gum disease and bad breath and can only be cleaned off by a dentist (during a checkup) after it forms.

Higher risk of cavities

Tooth decay occurs due to the presence of plaque on the teeth. Once the tooth starts decaying, it will continue to deteriorate until the cavity reaches the tooth pulp or nerves. Cavities are hardly noticeable in their early stages, so patients will probably not know that they have any. The dentist will examine the teeth carefully during a dental appointment to detect cavities. They will immediately recommend filling them to save their patients from pain and inconvenience.

Risk of gum disease

Gum disease is a bacterial infection caused by plaque accumulation. If the disease is not treated promptly, it can spread to the bone and other supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease occurs in three stages: gingivitis and gum inflammation; periodontitis, which is when the infection starts to damage the bone and gum, and advanced periodontitis, in which the infection has spread to the point that the teeth are loose and need to be extracted. Keeping regular appointments with the dentist can help catch gum disease in its early stages.

A high risk of tooth loss

Most people believe that the risk of tooth loss increases with age, but this does not have to be the case. Adult teeth can last a lifetime with adequate oral care. It is possible to prevent tooth loss by preventing the oral conditions that tend to be responsible, which in this case, are tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping regular appointments will help ensure that the teeth last a lifetime.

It is easy to miss the signs of oral cancer

Oral cancer can affect any of the structures that make up the oral cavity, including the cheek, tongue, lip, throat, palates, and sinuses. The general dentist will usually perform an oral cancer screening during the checkup to ensure early detection and treatment of the condition.

Stay on track with dental appointments

It would be best if you did not only visit the dentist's office when you have a dental emergency or need a restorative procedure. Considering that oral issues tend to start and progress quickly,  routine dental checkups with the general dentist are the most ideal way to ensure early diagnosis.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 218-7985 for an appointment in our Carmel office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Carmel, IN.

Related Posts

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits At A General Dentist

Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral and overall health. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to identify and treat any oral health issues before they become more intense and expensive problems in the future. This blog will explore the…

Top 5 Services Offered By General Dentists

Even though dentistry consists of many different services, you might be surprised to learn that many of them are performed by a general dentist. While certain specialists handle certain procedures, a regular dentist takes care of many of the more common or popular services.We have put together our list of the top 5 services offered…

General Dentist Vs Specialty Dentist: Who Should You Consult?

With all the different specialties in dentistry, it is hard to know what is handled by your general dentist and what is handled by a specialist. This makes it more difficult than it should be to figure out who to consult when you have a problem or potential issue with your oral health. To help…

General Dentist Or Family Dentist: Which Is Right For You?

Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs can be difficult. Many questions may come to mind, such as whether a general dentist or a family dentist is the right choice. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between general and family dentists, helping to give you a better understanding of when to…

Related Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding To Reshape Teeth

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding To Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…

The Stages Of Gum Disease And When To Seek Treatment

The Stages Of Gum Disease And When To Seek Treatment

Gum disease is a common yet serious condition that negatively impacts oral health if left untreated. The condition can result from plaque and bacteria buildup, starting with mild symptoms and leading to tooth loss. Knowing the stages of gum disease and when to seek treatment can help protect your gums and teeth.Gum disease, or periodontal…