You probably know the golden rule of seeing your dentist regularly, but sadly, many of us don’t adhere to that rule until it is too late. By the age of 65, up to 96% of Americans will have some form of tooth decay resulting in teeth loss. Unlike when we were kids, our adult teeth do not grow back after they have been extracted or fall out. Why, though, are regular dental office visits so important?
Maintain Oral Health
It is essential to schedule regular dental office visits to maintain the overall health of the mouth, teeth, and gums.
Prevent Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup causes tooth decay and can also destroy the mouth’s gum tissues. As tartar builds up at the border between the gums and teeth, an infection known as gingivitis causes the gums to peel away from the tooth. At this point, gum disease is diagnosed. A regular 6-month dental checkup can help prevent and catch the early signs of gum disease.
Catch Early Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects millions of individuals each year, and your dentist will be able to detect any indicators that cancer is present. Early detection is essential to a speedy and painless recovery. The symptoms may appear minor at first, but the longer they persist, the more serious they become.
Regular Dental Office Visits Can Help Treat/Prevent Cavities
Despite brushing and flossing daily, you may still have plaque and tartar on your teeth. In fact, the more plaque builds up, the harder it is to remove it. Regular dental visits prevent plaque and tartar from building up, which is what causes cavities. Cavities don’t usually indicate when they are coming, and once your tooth starts hurting, the tooth decay has already begun.
Detecting Underlying Conditions
An essential part of visiting your dental office every six months is to have your teeth and jawbone X-rayed. These X-ray images enable dental professionals to visualize what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums that are invisible to the naked eye. Here they can diagnose issues such as impacted teeth, bone decay, and other mouth and jaw diseases that may show no signs or symptoms.
So, there you have it. Remember, next time you are thinking about skipping that dental appointment, know that dentists are not just focused on cleaning your teeth and fluoride treatments. They are about keeping your teeth, gums, and whole mouth healthy. Schedule your next dental office visit online!