Let’s admit it: Dental visits are perhaps one of the most easily forgotten checkups out there—even if you know that you should see your dentist every six months. You may be the most studious flosser, or you may even swear that you brush your teeth thrice a day, but you’ll still be missing out on some areas you can’t reach or see when caring for your teeth. Visiting your nearby dental clinic for checkups is necessary.
For instance, there are specific medical conditions that can be diagnosed through a single visit. More commonly, it can prevent a myriad of dental problems that you might not be aware of since you can’t evaluate the condition of your teeth as well as your dentist can.
Here are great reasons why you should see the dentist regularly.
1. Removal of plaque, tartar, dental biofilm, and cavities
Let’s start with your standard prophylaxis sessions. The food you eat today has drastically evolved from decades ago. It’s so much more common to ingest processed sugar and starchy foods that can exacerbate cavities or cause tooth decay. Going to the dentist for regular teeth cleaning can prevent severe damage which can lead to tooth decay or loss of permanent tooth.
2. Prevention and treatment of mouth and gum diseases
Your dentist will be able to alert you if there’s anything serious brewing in your teeth or gums. The two most common ones are gingivitis and periodontitis. The best cure for these diseases is to treat them from the start—so catching it in the early stages is essential for treatment and reversal.
3. Early diagnosis of tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most prevalent dental condition in the world. According to a 2016 study cited by the World Health Organization (WHO), half of the world’s population is affected by dental caries. This does not only affect your quality of life but can also put a burden on you financially. By visiting the dentist regularly, you’ll be able to spot the early signs of tooth decay and implement treatments that could save your teeth from significant damage.
4. Treatment for dental crowns, implants, or dentures
It’s necessary to replace your permanently lost teeth with dental implants so that you can still eat properly and maintain your confidence. Your dentist can let you know your options of what’s best for you and what works within your budget. If you’ve recently had any of these done before, it’s also a great idea to have them checked to see if they’re in great shape.
5. Correction of teeth alignment
Depending on your bone structure, jaw space, and genetics, your teeth may be misaligned or may have trouble erupting. Simple procedures for teeth alignment like getting braces, retainers, and mild operational procedures to fix your crowded teeth are things your doctor can do for you. They could also refer you to an experienced orthodontist to perform tooth extractions if needed. Besides giving you a boost of confidence, having aligned teeth can help prevent further teeth and jaw complications.
6. Detection of oral cancer
Dentists are usually the first to diagnose if you are manifesting symptoms of oral cancer, such as areas of irritation, sores, and white patches. They can also perform biopsies if needed, subject for further testing, and refer you to doctors you can consult with for other treatments. Dentists are trained to see symptoms for early to advanced stages of this disease, and they’re one of the best people you can approach when it comes to preventing and treating oral cancer.
7. Checking the head, neck, and lymph nodes
Some dental hygienists also administer a head and neck exam to detect any head and neck cancers developing in the patient. With thorough examinations, your dentist will also be able to spot any oral activity that suggests cancerous symptoms. Lymph nodes are another particularly tricky area to check, as they don’t hurt and appear normal to the untrained eye. However, your dentist will be able to identify the problem area and recommend you to a proper doctor right away.
8. Cure and reversal for bad breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, can sometimes stem from a more serious condition. It’s usually caused by leftover food that gets stuck in your teeth, dry mouth, and in some cases, tobacco products. However, having it could be indicative of liver issues, kidney ailments, sinusitis, or even diabetes. If your bad breath seems persistent even with proper oral hygiene, consulting with your dentist is your best course of action.
It’s Time to See Your Dentist
Your teeth may be healthy now, but they’ll only stay that way if you take care of them. One checkup can help save your pearly whites and detect other serious illnesses you could be having. The longer you go without visiting your dental care provider, the higher the risk you’re putting yourself as well.
Remember: Prevention is always better than cure!
