Dental Checkups…..Why should you never “Brush them off”?
Your teeth look and feel just fine, so what harm can there be in skipping one checkup? Plenty…and it’s not just a free toothbrush and dental samples you will miss. A lot can happen in just a short period of time and the ramifications of canceling your semi-annual dental checkup can go beyond your oral health.
If you have ever doubted the necessity of regular visits, these are reasons why you should be in the dentist’s chair every six months.
First, Developing Decay and disease
Practicing perfect hygiene can be difficult and occasional slip-ups can happen to the most diligent of dental patients. But forgetting to brush or floss here or there or overindulging in sugary snacks one too many times is all it takes to put you on the path to tooth decay and gum disease.
Seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and exam can help detect and remove hardened plaque buildup otherwise known as tartar before it results in new cavities and gum disease. While timely preventative care should be of universal importance, frequent checkups are even more crucial to the oral health of children still learning about proper dental care as well as pregnant women who are at higher risk of gum disease.
Serious non Dental health issues
The state of your teeth and gums can display far more about your overall wellbeing than you might think. In fact, the mere presence of periodontitis, and or tooth loss has been associated with other non-dental conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Premature birth
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Because dental exams also include an assessment of the head face and neck a checkup can detect larger concerns directly resulting from poor oral health. Facial muscle strain due to protruding teeth, or jaw disorders caused by bruxism/grinding are just 2 examples of serious side effects that can progressively worsen over time if left unchecked. Oral cancer is another serious health threat that you might overlook without the experienced eyes of your dentist.
Regular Checkups every 3-6 months provide you with the opportunity for professional care and treatment specific to or dental situation. It is your time to discuss cosmetic concerns, health concerns, or otherwise to safeguard your oral health. Learn more about Preventive Dentistry.
