If you brush your teeth and floss regularly you may be wondering why you need to go to the dentist every six months. This biannual dental visit is more important than you might realize. Visiting your dentist regularly helps you maintain your overall dental health. These visits are opportunities to identify any potential problems quickly, which will allow treatment to begin early. If you are considering skipping a dental checkup make sure you consider all the risks. Here are some important reasons why you should see your dentist on a regular schedule:
Teeth Cleaning
Even with the most diligent daily brushing and flossing, there are still some small areas in the mouth that are missed. When plaque builds up it becomes even more difficult to remove, and when it solidifies and turns into tartar, it is almost impossible to remove it without professional help.
Tartar can erode teeth or create holes in them, which is how cavities are formed. Cavities don’t give you any warning signs, and the toothache you experience is the result of a tooth which is already decayed.
Checking for Gum Disease
Many people ignore the beginning signs of gum problems, and it is only after it officially reaches gum disease (gingivitis) that the signs of swelling, bleeding, or soreness in the mouth cause concern. Regular cleanings and checkups are essential to catch and address gingivitis before it gets out of control.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious disease that can manifest itself in various ways. The signs of oral cancer start small and may only be noticed by your dentist. Thankfully, an early stage oral cancer diagnosis is often easily treated. Your dentist is trained to recognize these signs and symptoms, and with regular dental checkups every six months, the chances of catching oral cancer in time is dramatically higher.
Finding Issues You Cannot See with X-rays
An important part of your visit with the dentist will be dental X-rays. They can show your dentist what is happening beneath the surfaces of your gums and teeth. Often impacted teeth, damage to the jawbone, as well as swelling, cysts, or tumors can be seen. Finding these oral issues as soon as possible is critical to properly treat them.
Preventative care is an important part of your oral health routine. Just because you do not see anything visibly wrong with your teeth doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem lurking. Visiting us at Millennium Family Dental regularly provides an opportunity to find potential warning signs of larger oral health concerns, and to stop them before they cause damage. Call us today and schedule a comprehensive evaluation.