Although going to the dentist every six months isn’t something that everyone looks forward to, it is one of the most crucial appointments to keep. If you’ve ever wondered what the point of getting regular dental examinations and cleanings is, we’ve got something for you to consider.
If you’re thinking of skipping a dental checkup due to expense or another consideration such as time or dental phobia, make sure you weigh all of the hazards. In the long run, the cost of not visiting your dentist will almost certainly be far higher, both in terms of your cash and your peace of mind.
Here are some of the most compelling reasons to see your dentist on a frequent basis:
Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer is a very deadly disease that can present in a variety of ways. Oral cancer is frequently misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness of early warning signals, and it can swiftly spread and become life threatening. However, an oral cancer diagnosis at an early stage is typically curable.
Your dentist is well qualified to recognise these signs and symptoms, and frequent dental examinations every six months greatly increase the chances of catching oral cancer early. Mouth cancer must be detected early in order to be properly treated, and while you may not notice oral abnormalities, your dentist will.
A VELscope is a device that allows you to see what’ Cancer exams are non-invasive, painless, and can be covered by MSP in some situations. They also take only a minute or two to complete. By flashing a special light within the mouth, the exam detects invisible symptoms of dead tissue produced by tumour formation.
Preventing Cavities
Plaque is the buildup on your teeth that everyone develops, and it is the major cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities if left untreated. Cavities can cause a lot of pain and perhaps necessitate a root canal.
Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar not only cause tooth decay, but they can also destroy the gum tissues of the mouth. When tartar builds up in the area where the gum meets the tooth, an infection develops, causing the gum to peel away from the tooth. Gingivitis is an infection that causes the tissue that connects the gums to the teeth to break down.
It is definitely gum disease when it reaches this stage, and there will almost certainly be swelling, bleeding, or discomfort in the mouth. Gum disease causes the bone that supports teeth in place to break away, in addition to the gum tissue. It is typical to observe teeth loosening or falling out at this time, necessitating the use of extreme treatment methods by a dental specialist.
Whitening & Brightening Your Smile
Our society appears to rely on coffee and tea to get through the day, yet these beverages, as well as red wine, soda, and even smoke, can discolour your teeth. These stains can be removed with a complete dental cleaning, leaving you with a dazzling, white smile.
Freshening Your Breath
Isn’t it true that no one enjoys having terrible breath? The easiest method to avoid this is to practise good oral hygiene. Even while flossing and brushing on a daily basis is extremely beneficial, there is always food that gets caught and germs that has to be eliminated, which can lead to foul breath if left untreated.
Good Overall Health
There is a link between good dental health and overall wellness, according to studies. Regular dental cleanings and exams can also assist to reduce your chance of developing conditions like heart disease and stroke. There are several life-threatening health issues that can be diagnosed early on by your dentist during a normal dental appointment.
Keeping Bad Habits in Check
There are a variety of unhealthy habits that can negatively effect your dental health, some of which you may not even be aware of. Chewing ice, biting your nails, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, eating sticky or hard sweets, brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee and red wine, and, of course, smoking are all examples of bad habits.
Your dentist can check for any oral damage caused by these or other habits that you might not be aware of if you go for regular dental checks. Visiting the dentist allows you to repair any damage that has already occurred and improve your dental health.
Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks
Swollen lymph nodes are a type of swelling that does not always pain or appear abnormal, but when properly detected by a specialist, can be an indication of cancer or other disorders that require rapid attention. The frequency with which your neck and thyroid glands are examined is substantially reduced if you don’t have frequent dental examinations. While it may only take a minute for your dentist to examine for irregularities, it could mean that an exceedingly serious condition is detected early enough to make a significant difference.
Low Insurance Costs
For dental cleanings and exams, most dental insurance now provide low or no copayment choices. You will not only safeguard your dental health but will also help you avoid costly operations in the future if you take advantage of these health insurance perks. You can secure a bright future for your smile and general health by being proactive with your dental health.