Do you find yourself skipping routine checkups? Do you only go to the dentist when you feel some discomfort? You aren’t alone; many people choose to forego these trips if it seems like there isn’t any reason to. However, doing so can spell out bad news for you! Regular checkups and cleanings are essential to finding oral health problems while they are still minor. Continue reading to learn why early detection can benefit you in the long run.
Keep Your Oral and Overall Health Strong
When it comes to dental issues, they cannot heal on their own. That means that only your dentist can help treat and get rid of them. For instance, if you have a toothache, then it may be annoying to deal with in your everyday life. You might experience pain each time you eat and have trouble concentrating since you’re focusing on the discomfort.
A toothache is often a sign of decay, which has early signs that might not be noticeable to you. But your dentist is trained to watch for these, letting them act early to avoid any pain.
Not only that, but poor oral health is slowly getting linked to more systemic health conditions, such as heart attack, dementia, and stroke. Research shows that there is a relationship, but whether one causes the other hasn’t been proven.
Avoid Costly Treatments
If you don’t fix these problems, they can only get worse and cause more headaches. A toothache can be the result of decay or infection. Both of which can cause you to lose the tooth when left untreated. Instead of getting a cavity filling, which may cost several hundred dollars, you’ll need a root canal and a crown to restore your tooth, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Get Advice on Oral Hygiene Routine
Regular checkups can also give your dentist a chance to assess your at-home dental care. They can ensure that your brushing and flossing techniques are good. The wear of your teeth might also hint at bad habits you have, such as tobacco use or teeth grinding. Your dentist can make a game plan to protect your smile so that it stays strong and healthy.
Benefits Your Life
If you are self-conscious about your teeth, then a visit to your dental office can be helpful. They will get rid of hardened plaque that you can’t remove and offer treatments to transform your grin. These will help you be more confident about flashing pearly whites! Additionally, they can also watch for oral cancer, which is a rare but life-threatening condition. The good news is that you shouldn’t have to worry about it by keeping up with consistent trips.
Detecting any dental problems early is crucial. It helps give you the best chance of saving your smile while avoiding needing more advanced treatments. By going to your semi-annual visits, you can ensure that you don’t hurt your bank in the future and keep your teeth strong.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. He understands how coming to regular checkups does more than just clean your grin. Dr. Kendrick keeps an eye out for any worrying signs so that a treatment plan can be made right away to tackle those problems. If it’s time for your next routine visit, schedule an appointment or call us at (405) 732-0431.