People often disregard the importance of seeing a dentist regularly. One of the common misconceptions is that you will always feel pain if a dental problem occurs. Gum disease and cavities are conditions that usually progress silently and may only be painful when the problem is severe. At this point the teeth may require root canal therapy or have to be extracted as a result of severe gum or tooth infection.
A dental problem is not likely to disappear or clear up on its own. Regular dentist visits make it possible for the dentist to help you maintain the optimal health of your gums and teeth as well as detect problems at a manageable stage. Identifying problems early or at their onset is usually easier to deal with, less invasive and more affordable.
Dental Checkups
While visiting the dentist as often as recommended each year may not be an appointment that many people look forward to, it is one of the crucial aspects of general healthcare. If you are thinking about avoiding or delaying a dental checkup due to factors such as costs and dental anxiety, it is important to consider the risks. You may end up paying much more in the long run if you do not prioritize your routine visits.
Detecting Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious disease that is manifested in a variety of ways. Without knowledge about the early signs of the condition, oral cancer can rapidly worsen. An early stage diagnosis is usually treatable and dentists are trained to identify the signs and symptoms. Regular checkups increase the likelihood of catching the disease in its early stages and treating it successfully. You may not be able to notice any oral abnormalities but your dentist will. Visit Irvine Lake Dental here.
Plaque and Tartar
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, there are areas within your mouth that you may regularly miss during cleaning. When the build up of plaque becomes more challenging to remove, solidifies and turns into tartar, this can be extremely difficult to eliminate without professional help. Regular professional dental cleanings help to prevent tartar from creating holes and in teeth or eroding teeth, which creates cavities.
Cavities
Cavities do not usually showcase warning signs during formation and result in a slight ache when the tooth has already decayed. After damage has occurred, your dentist will have to fill the cavities and address other tooth problems. These issues can be avoided when your mouth is cleaned regularly to deal with plaque and tartar. Cleaning appointments prevent plaque and tartar from becoming destructive and provide an affordable way to preserve your oral health.
Gum Disease
Aside from tooth decay, plaque and tartar can erode the gum tissues in the mouth. This arises when there is an infection where gums connect to teeth and makes the gum pull away. This is commonly referred to as gingivitis and is characterized by a breakdown of the tissue that attaches gums to teeth. Regular dental visits and care are necessary for treating gingivitis before the situation gets out of control.
Lifestyle
Various bad habits can compromise your oral health. These include biting nails, chewing ice, eating sticky candy drinking coffee, smoking and brushing teeth too hard. Your dentist can check for any signs of oral damage and inform you about destructive habits.
