4 Big Reasons to Visit the Dentist This Month
Hey. It’s your dentist speaking — and it’s been awhile since we’ve seen you. Yes, you. The impact of skipping out on your six month checkups and cleanings is bigger than you may think. Keep reading to learn the top 4 reasons you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can… like now.
#1: Periodontal (Gum) Health
If there’s one thing you can do to enjoy better health with age, we suggest it’s visit the dentist. Why? Because your gum health is closely linked to your overall health. We are learning more and more about the effect of gum disease on your systemic well-being every year, and it is already known that having gum disease increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, diabetes, and other serious health conditions.
When you visit your dentist every six months, we can monitor your gum health and provide prompt treatment for gum disease as needed. In the beginning stages, minor inflammation can be reversed with improved dental hygiene and a couple extra visits to the dentist.
#2: Cavities
Left unchecked, weak spots in the tooth enamel turn into cavities, which may progress without you realizing it until the point that the interior of the tooth has been affected. Once decay reaches the pulp (or the “nerve”) of the tooth, we may have to perform root canal therapy to save it.
Your dental hygienist can help you prevent cavities by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth during a six month checkup and cleaning. Plaque is the clear, sticky substance that is constantly forming on your teeth. When it is not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it turns into hard, yellow tartar. Both cause cavities.
#3: Bad Habits
People who smoke should be especially vigilant about their visits to the dentist. Tobacco use increases the risk of just about every oral health hazards, from cavities to gum disease, failing dental work, and oral cancer. Visiting the dentist can help keep your risk of these issues in check if you smoke or have other bad oral health habits.
#4: Hidden Problems
Too many adults make the mistake of thinking that if their teeth and gums feel and look healthy enough, there’s no reason to visit the dentist. If only it were that easy. Decay can worsen between teeth when left unchecked. Gum disease is not always apparent to the untrained eye (look out for bleeding, red, inflamed gums). And sometimes, an x-ray is the only way to spot issues like a leaking filling or decay on the root of the tooth. Spotting these issues requires a trained eye, or eyes — like your dentist and hygienists!
Patients of all ages should visit the dentist every six months for routine preventive care. When was your last appointment? Don’t hesitate to book a visit today — your healthy, lasting smile depends on it.
