If your teeth feel fine, you might be tempted to skip your regular dental check-up. After all, your life is probably busy enough without having to sit in a chair while someone works on your teeth. But missing a dental appointment could be a mistake. There are many advantages to having regular dental check-ups and once you’re aware of them, we hope you’ll see the value and won’t want to skip them! Benefits include:
Tartar is cleaned from your teeth.
Your regular dental visits include both an examination by a dentist as well as a cleaning. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers sometimes miss plaque build-up on their teeth. When plaque hardens, it turns into a substance called tartar which you cannot brush away on your own. Tartar needs to be removed with special tools at your dental cleaning.
Protect against gum disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. Early signs might be swollen or bleeding gums, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. When you go to your regular dental check-up, you’ll be examined for signs of gum disease and treatment will be recommended if necessary.
Early detection of oral cancer.
Cancer is a scary diagnosis and oral cancer is a deadly disease. Fortunately, when it is detected and treated in its early stages, the survival rate increases dramatically. During your check-up, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer. These signs may be invisible to the regular naked eye, so your best chance of early detection is with your dentist.
Repair and restoration of decayed teeth.
Nobody likes to hear that they have a cavity when they go for their dental check-up. In most cases, that will mean a return trip for a filling or some other kind of restoration. Left untreated however, tooth decay can get worse and even spread to adjacent teeth. Catching and treating tooth decay early is the best way to maintain a healthy smile.
X-rays spot potential problems.
Occasionally when you go for your regular dental check-up, your dentist or hygienist will take an x-ray of your teeth. This helps them to spot problems which may be below the gumline or embedded within tooth structure, and to recommend a course of action if necessary.
In short, regular dental check-ups are one of the best ways to keep your whole mouth healthy for years to come. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact Town Smiles Dental today.