Many people dread the bi-annual visit to the dentist’s office but these visits do serve a purpose. Dental checkups help you avoid painful and inconvenient procedures while keeping your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. While brushing and flossing are necessary, your dentist will have specialized tools for deeper cleanings. With x-rays and other visual tools, he or she can spot issues early. The following are some other reasons to visit your dental office regularly.
1. Plaque and Cavity Prevention
Plaque can build up even with regular brushing and flossing, especially in small areas that you might not be able to reach. If you have poor dental habits at home, plaque buildup is even more likely.
The more plaque builds up, the more difficult it is to remove. It will eventually harden and turn into tartar, which is what erodes your teeth. Tartar is difficult to remove without professional assistance but with the help of your dentists, you can prevent getting into this situation in the first place. They will make sure that your teeth are clean on the surface and in the spots you can’t reach.
2. Protection from Bad Habits
Nail biting, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding, among other things, can all have damaging effects on your teeth. If you visit the dentist, he or she might even ask you whether or not you do any of these things. Your dentist will be able to spot the signs of a bad habit and either help you correct for the behaviour or correct the damage that has been caused. Other habits such as smoking or drinking coffee can lower the quality and strength of your teeth but regular cleanings can help you keep these habits in check.
3. Gum Disease Prevention
Sometimes infections arise where the gums meet the tooth, which forces the tooth to pull away from the gum itself. This is called gingivitis but gum disease is the result of a continuation of this process. The tissue that attaches to the gums breaks down and you might see swelling or bleeding in that area. Your dentists can take care of this once it happens but their ultimate goal is to prevent it. You might be interested in visiting Your Smile Dental Care for more information.
4. Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer is more serious than gum disease but the earlier you catch this disease, the easier it is to treat. Your dentists are trained to recognize signs that may even be there before you know it. Oral cancer can become life-threatening but early detection is the key to a successful treatment.
5. Head, Neck, and Lymph Nodes
Your dentists are also able to identify issues in other parts of the body that are close to the mouth. They have visuals of parts of your neck, your jaw, and your lymph nodes, and they will be able to identify any abnormalities in these areas. Abnormalities in these areas could be the sign of a major health issue but, again, early detection is important in treating these issues.