Frequent dental checkups are one of the most important steps you can take to maintain good oral health. It is essential that everyone understands the increase in risks that can come from skipping dental checkups. In the long run, people end up paying more, in terms of money and peace of mind, if they miss out on dental appointments.
We have outlined below why exactly is it important to maintain regular dental checkups.
Tar, Cavities, and Plaque
Plaque and tar can accumulate despite diligent brushing and flossing. This buildup hardens over time and can be really difficult to remove without professional cleanups. Accumulation of tartar can erode teeth and create holes in them. This can create cavities and tooth decay, which is expensive to fix and maintain. Plaque can also cause periodontal disease that can cause gums to bleed and detach from teeth. This can make you lose teeth much faster and cause gaps between teeth.
Regular cleanups can decrease tartar and plaque from causing such damage to your teeth. It is also much cheaper to get the teeth cleaned than fill in cavities.
Oral Cancer Detection and Prevention
Oral cancer can spread quite easily and cause loss of function, oral and mouth disfigurement, chronic pain, and even death. It is important to diagnose mouth cancer in the early stages and treat it quickly. Regular checkups can catch oral cancer in the initial stages which can prevent long-term problems. If they see any signs or symptoms, they can prescribe oral cancer screenings. It is non-invasive and can end up saving your life.
Gum Diseases
Tartar and plaque can erode the gum tissues in the mouth. They accumulate around the gum and release acids that cause fiber breakdown. This causes the gums to detach themselves from the tooth, which is known as gingivitis. This can cause:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sore mouth
- Loosening of teeth
- Teeth falling out
- Gaps between teeth
Regular dental checkups can prevent the buildup of tartar or plaque. This removes any chance of developing gum diseases, which are really expensive to fix.
Bad Oral Habits
There are several bad habits that can adversely impact oral health. Some of them include:
- Biting nails can increase intake of harmful bacteria
- Chewing ice often can take a toll of ice, cause sensitivity, and impact the pH level of the mouth
- Grinding your teeth can cause decay
- Clenching your jaw can increase pressure on the gums
- Over brushing can remove the protective layer of the teeth, exposing them to damage
- Drinking red wine and coffee can stain the teeth and increase bacteria accumulation
- Smoking can lead to mouth cancers
Some bad habits like smoking are more obvious, but others like grinding your teeth or over brushing can only be noticed by the professional eye. Dentists can monitor how bad habits may be affecting your teeth negatively.
Dental checkups can influence overall good health and decrease long terms costs. This is why it is very important to keep up with dentist appointments and take care of your teeth. For more information regarding your dental health, or if you have any dental related questions, please feel free to give us a call. We can be reached at (248) 652-0024 and we hope to hear from you soon!
