The Importance of Seasonal Dental Checkups
You have always wondered why you need to go to the dentist every six months. You brush your teeth twice a day, you floss regularly, and you stay away from sticky candy. That should be good enough, right?
Unfortunately, no.
Going to the dentist may not be your idea of a good time, but your smile is definitely worth it! Here are five main reasons why seasonal dental checkups are beneficial for your dental health.
Identify bad habits
Many bad habits can negatively impact the health of your teeth and gums, including:
- Improper brushing and flossing
- Smoking
- Grinding your teeth
- Clenching your jaw
- Biting your nails
- Eating lots of hard or sticky sweets
Whether or not you are aware of your habit, your dentist can check for any oral damage and provide useful tips for eliminating destructive habits, offering advice on potential lifestyle changes to prevent further damage.
Keep tooth decay at bay
Brushing and flossing can go a long way toward preventing tooth decay, but even the most diligent of brushers cannot reach every nook and cranny. When plaque builds up in these often-missed paces, it becomes more difficult to remove because it solidifies into tartar. Only professional help from a dentist or oral hygienist can eliminate tartar and prevent it from eroding away tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities may form, and then you will have to go back to the dentist for a filling. Seasonal cleanings are much more cost-effective than fillings, so going to the dentist can actually help save you money!
Prevent the onset of gum disease
Tartar and plaque buildup not only affects tooth enamel, but puts your gums at risk, too. As tartar erodes gum tissue, it causes an infection and makes the gum pull away from the tooth. Symptoms of the disease (gingivitis) usually include swelling, bleeding, or soreness in the mouth. The underlying bone can also start breaking down, which commonly leads to loosening teeth or teeth falling out altogether. Regular dental checkups are essential for catching gum disease at its earliest possible stage so your smile can stay healthy.
See what’s going on beneath the surface
Dental problems are not always visible to the naked eye, even if you know what to look for. That’s why a main component of seasonal dental checkups is getting your teeth and jaw X-rayed. This can bring to light potential problems like impacted teeth, damage to the jawbone, or signs of destructive diseases. Diagnosing these issues at the earliest opportunity is the key to proper treatment.
Screen for oral cancer
Early stage oral cancer is often easily treatable, but the disease can manifest itself in many ways, often without you noticing a thing until it is too late. Fortunately, your dentist is highly trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms, so if you schedule seasonal dental checkups, the chances of recognizing oral cancer in time dramatically increase.
At Comfort Dental Group, we are committed to providing effective, affordable dental solutions in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you have any questions regarding our services or want to book your seasonal appointment, just give us a call today!
Schedule your seasonal checkup by calling 408-249-8888!