The idea of skipping your routine dental check-up appointments may have crossed your mind before; read on to learn why this is not a good idea. These check-ups are not meant to treat dental issues alone but to prevent them from happening in the first place. Dental professionals generally recommend visiting the dental office every six months. If you have not been going for dental check-ups, continue reading to find out why the appointments are so important for your oral health and overall wellbeing.
Visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up is important for the following reasons:
Like all types of cancer, oral cancer is life-threatening, and the chances of successful treatment are higher when caught early. Dentists have the training and tools to identify the early signs of oral cancer since patients may miss some.
Despite brushing and flossing regularly at home, there are areas of the mouth that are easily missed or inaccessible. These areas tend to accumulate plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, it is difficult to remove with a regular toothbrush. Since it is hard to prevent plaque from accumulating on the teeth and causing issues in the mouth, it is necessary to visit the dental office for regular dental check-ups and cleaning.
When plaque and tartar stay too long on the teeth, they start eroding the teeth, causing holes in the enamel called cavities. It is easy to miss the signs of developing cavities, and by the time toothache sets in, the damage is done. The dentist will check for cavities during the dental visit and recommend the appropriate dental restoration.
Tartar also compromises gum health. It causes gum inflammation, and without dental intervention, it can eventually result in infection. Gum infection can cause gum recession and eventual tooth loss. Patients may also experience gum swelling, soreness, and bleeding. Regular dental check-ups can prevent gum disease from developing and ensure early treatment if the condition is present.
During the dental check-up appointment, the dentist will search for signs that may suggest certain bad oral habits are being practiced, such as chewing ice, brushing too hard, teeth grinding, or smoking. These habits are detrimental to oral health and can cause damage to the teeth. The dentist can provide tips to reduce or control these habits and adopt better oral habits.
During the dental check-up, the dentist may recommend taking x-rays of the jaw and other oral structures. This scan may help them discover issues that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. Such issues, including cysts, tumors, decay, and swelling, can then be quickly identified and treated.
Routine dental check-ups are crucial for your oral health and can save you a lot in dental bills. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 200-3679 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
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