Most people know the importance of regular dental checkups. However, some people skip the dentist due to costs and dental anxiety.
Proper oral hygiene is important for your overall health. If you forego your dental appointments because of expense or other reasons, weigh all the risks in the long run. You will realize that the cost of neglecting dental checkups is almost higher financially and psychologically. Whether you visit a cosmetic dentist in Cary, NC, or a general dentist, you can benefit from regular dental examinations and cleanings. If your dentist discovers that you have a dental issue, they can fix it at its early stage before it gets worse.
Why Dental Checkups are Important
Dental checkups are necessary due to the following reasons:
- Deal with plaque, tartar, and dental cavities. You probably think that daily brushing and flossing are enough to keep your teeth or mouth clean. But you could miss some parts of your mouth, allowing for plaque to form. When not removed, plaque can harden and become tartar, which can only be removed through professional cleaning. When you visit your dentist regularly, tartar cannot erode and cause cavities. When cavities are developing, you may not know you have them. They usually manifest through mild discomfort when your tooth has deteriorated. You must see your dentist to have these holes filled and fixed after damage has been done. Routine dental cleanings can help you avoid all these issues.
- Minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay can lead to gum tissue damage. Tartar could develop because of gingivitis, which impacts your gum line and leads to your gums detaching from your teeth. You will experience symptoms such as discomfort, bleeding, or swelling. Once gum disease causes gum tissue and bone deterioration, your teeth may loosen or even fall out completely. In this case, extensive treatment measures may have to be used to treat your condition. Treatment for gum disease may include deep cleaning, medication, and surgery, depending on how serious it is.
- Detect oral cancer. This type of cancer may not be diagnosed because people are not aware of its early signs. Sadly, oral cancer can spread quickly and become life-threatening. Thankfully, early diagnosis allows for a successful treatment. Your dentist can recognize such signs and symptoms. Regular dental checkups increase the chances of detecting oral cancer early. Early detection allows for proper treatment.
- Screen issues with X-ray. Your dental visits include teeth and jawbone X-rays. This allows the dental professional to view what is happening beneath your mouth’s surface and spot and diagnose issues like impacted wisdom teeth. X-rays can identify cysts, bone deterioration, tumors, cysts, and jawbone damage. Identifying these problems early is important for effective treatment.
Dental Checkup Frequency
A lot of factors must be taken into account when you plan dental checkups. These include the following:
- Lifestyle and habits. Do you smoke or consume alcohol? If so, you might need more frequent dental checkups than others. This is because you have an increased risk of tooth loss.
- Attitude and behavior. Committing to good oral hygiene improves your oral health. Sticking to an oral hygiene routine reduces your need to visit a dentist frequently.
- Genetics and biology. Some people are prone to having dental cavities. If you are one of them, take extra precautions to prevent cavities from developing through regular dental checkups. Also, your family medical history of some oral disorders will necessitate extra dental care.
- Access and availability. Frequent dental exams may be needed if you do not have access to oral health products and services.
If you do not have dental issues, see your dentist two times every year. But if you are suffering from a dental disorder, you may be required to see a dentist every three to four months.
