Regular dental visits probably aren’t anyone’s favorite activity, but preventative care is particularly important for our oral health. It’s easy to skip an appointment here or there when we feel great and don’t see any problems with our teeth or gums. We might even only visit the dentist when we have a problem to fix, like addressing a toothache or perfecting our smile. Your dentist is certainly equipped to help you should anything like this crop up, after all. Remember, though, that they also have the tools necessary to help prevent those issues from occurring in the first place! If you’re thinking about skipping your next visit, continue reading for 3 reasons why that’s not such a good idea!
Reason # 1: Prevent Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common threats to our oral health and can impact people of all ages. They occur when the protective enamel of the tooth is eroded by acidic food or harmful bacteria. This leaves the tooth exposed and can lead to tooth decay. Over time, the cavity can cause so much damage that it kills your tooth or even spreads to other teeth-yikes! You might not even be aware that there’s an issue until you start to feel tooth sensitivity or pain.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide professional cleaning that removes any destructive germs or particles on your teeth. This preventative care service can save you from a potential root canal or tooth extraction down the road!
Reason #2: Avoid Gum Disease
Not only are your teeth susceptible if you skip your next dental visit, but so are your gums! Bacteria that gather below the gum line can flourish and cause inflammation. If left untreated, this can develop into infection and even periodontal disease. Gum disease can eventually destroy the tissue holding your gums to your teeth, and can even reach the jawbone and begin to break it down. All of this can be avoided by a visit to your dentist. It’s easy to have your teeth professionally cleaned and regularly checked for signs of gum disease.
Reason # 3: Detect Oral Cancer
If the idea of deteriorating teeth and gums isn’t enough to get you through your next appointment, then consider oral cancer. The Oral Cancer Foundation has reported that an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. Typically, though, oral cancer is curable if it’s caught early enough. You may not be aware of it, but your dentist screens your mouth for oral cancer during basic appointments like cleanings and checkups. That means they’ll be able to catch it in time to help you, even if you originally came in for a basic cleaning.
It may seem inconsequential now when you’re feeling well but with such high stakes at risk, you might want to ask yourself if it’s worth skipping that dental visit. You can avoid several health concerns simply by keeping up with a routine schedule that keeps your entire mouth happy. That’s certainly something to smile about!
About the Author
The Smile Standard has been serving patients in the area for over 30 years! Today, Dr. Toufeek Dabah believes in individualized care that’s customized to each patient’s unique needs. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by dental studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. If you are interested in a checkup or cleaning, feel free to request an appointment on the website or call (847) 882-8387.