According to HealthDay, Americans are more likely to skip visits to the dentist more than any other type of medical appointment. From phobias to cost, there are a variety of reasons that you may consider avoiding your local dental office. However, this can have serious medical consequences for your entire body. In this post, your dentist in Richardson explains why it’s so important to regularly attend dental appointments.
Why Should I Visit a Dentist Near Me?
Two important things occur at a dental checkup. First, your teeth will be professionally cleaned. The dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth and remove stains, thoroughly floss your teeth and point out any spots you may be missing at home. Even if you have a strong oral hygiene routine, it is still important to undergo this necessary deep clean to prevent bacteria growth and other oral health problems.
You will also receive a dental examination. This includes an inspection of your teeth, gums and surrounding areas. This is a key step in preventing and identifying oral health issues before they become major problems. By skipping a checkup, you may be bypassing a health issue that won’t be identified until it’s too late for an easy fix.
What Am I At Risk of By Skipping Checkups?
Visiting your dentist will notably reduce your oral bacteria count, but it will also help screen you for some serious health issues.
Gum Disease
It is difficult to self-diagnose yourself with gum disease because of the possible lack of symptoms. This affliction can lead to major oral health problems, including infection, reduced jawbone density and tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked with an elevated risk of heart disease.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancers and treating the disease early makes it much easier overcome. Because oral cancer often does not have obvious symptoms, it is extremely important to visit your dentist regularly so they can check for it.
Tooth Decay
You may feel tempted to wait to visit your dentist until your teeth hurt, which is often a symptom of tooth decay. Unfortunately, by then it is too late for simple treatments. Visiting your dentist can help identify any decay and prevent cavities from forming entirely.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
While the exact answer will vary from person to person, the general population should visit the dentist every 6 months. Those who are at risk of gum disease, tooth decay and other health issues should see the dentist more often. This includes cigarette smokers, diabetics, pregnant women and those with a history of cavities.
Visiting your dentist may seem like a hassle, but you shouldn’t risk your oral health by skipping appointments. Talk to your dentist to see how you can make checkups more comfortable for you.
About the Author
Dr. Meredith Davis is dedicated to providing expert care to her patients. Throughout her studies, she received numerous honors and accolades, including the Certification of Merit by the American Academy of Oral Medicine. If you have further questions about dental checkups, she can be reached through her website or at 972-367-3062.