Did you know that more than 3.5 billion people worldwide live with some form of oral disease? Moreover, only about 60% of Americans have had a routine dental visit in the last 12 months. Routine dental care is essential to discover teeth problems earlier on and begin treatment to stop their development.
But how often should you go for a dental checkup? And why is it imperative to do it on a regular basis? Well, experts recommend having routine dental care once every 6 months. Keep reading to find out why.
Discover Cavities
Cavities are little teeth holes that develop as a result of improper oral hygiene. Regular flossing and brushing can prevent caries, but sometimes a toothbrush cannot clean the teeth completely. As a result, plaque builds up which leads to tartar and finally cavities. These teeth problems rarely give warning signs, so a dentist visit can help you discover and treat them earlier on.
Detect Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that involves drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and not brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, this type of dangerous disease doesn’t give a warning sign, but it can be quickly discovered with a simple exam. Oral cancer in its early stages can be easily treatable and the dental exam to discover it is painless and easy to do.
Discover Gum Disease
Gum disease is equally dangerous as it can progress silently. It is also caused by excessive tartar and plaque buildup. The gum tissue can get infected and cause bleeding in worst-case scenarios. At the same time, untreated gum disease can even attack the bones that keep teeth in place, compromising the entire oral health. A simple exam can detect gum disease and take the necessary precautions if it’s discovered.
Check for Lymph Nodes Swelling
Dentists will also perform additional checks that involve your head, neck, and the lymph nodes located under your jaw. These check-ups are necessary to discover swelling or other forms of problems that could indicate a major health issue. If some of your lymph nodes are swollen, your dentist might refer you to the appropriate medical professional for additional tests.
Discover Hidden Teeth Problems Using an X-Ray Scan
In some cases, dentists might also perform X-ray scans on your mouth to discover problems that are usually hidden from plain sight. For example, some people complain of persistent infections or teeth pain that doesn’t go away. These symptoms might be caused by obstructed teeth, particularly the wisdom ones. Your dentist might perform an X-ray if necessary to ensure that your oral health is not affected by silent dental abnormalities.
Now You Know Why You Should Take Advantage of Routine Dental Care
As you can see, performing routine dental care is necessary for so many good reasons. Your teeth are some of the most important elements of your body. Without them, you cannot feed yourself or you would do it with great difficulty. Spend some time caring for your teeth and you’ll definitely not regret it in the future.
If you experience teeth pain or want to schedule a routine dental exam then make sure that you contact us today. We have years of experience treating patients of all ages and our dentists are very knowledgeable and friendly.