Many people never think about going to the dentist for routine checkups. These individuals reason that if they are not contending with a toothache or mouth pain, then there is no need to seek the help of a dentist. The problem with this thinking is that issues go undetected, and they are only spotted when something major is happening and invasive and costly care is needed.
According to research, only half the adult population in the Western world sees the dentist for routine checkups. The other half of the population are problem-oriented attenders. Those who are problem-oriented attendees have poor oral health compared to their counterparts who go to the dentist for routine checkups. No matter your age, routine checkups are important. Routine dental visits are crucial for you and your family for four reasons.
Routine Dental Visits Keep Cavities, Plaque, Tartar, and Tooth Decay From Developing
Even if you are cleaning your teeth thoroughly, there are places in your mouth that are difficult to reach. Because some places are difficult to reach, plaque or tartar build-up on your teeth. The back molars are one example of a difficult-to-reach area hence the reason that it is important to see the dentist routinely.
If the dentist finds any plaque or tartar, then he or she will clean your teeth professionally to remove the buildup. If any small cavities are spotted, then the dentist will put you on fluoride treatment to reverse the tooth decay. If the dentist finds larger cavities, then you will be given fillings.
Keeps Gum Disease Away
Most of the time, there are no symptoms when gum disease is in the initial stages. So, you will not even know that you have gum disease. Since dentists are trained at spotting gum disease, your dentist will be able to detect it early on if you have it and provide you with treatment. In the initial stages, gum disease can be cured just by bettering your oral care regimen. Sometimes, you may even be given antibiotics.
Routine Dental Visits Can Help with Detecting Oral Cancer
In addition to examining your teeth and gums, your dentist will also check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is easy to be mistaken for other issues in the initial stages. According to Mayo Clinic, early symptoms include white patches in the mouth and throat, red sores in the mouth that will not heal, and mouth pain, and these can be mistaken for other less serious issues.
If mouth cancer goes undetected for too long, it can become a life-threatening issue. During your dental exam, your dentist will use a special light to check for early signs of oral cancer. This exam is painless and will only take a couple of minutes. If you are seeing the dentist every six months, you have no chance of developing late-stage oral cancer.
If you have not visited the dentist in a while and are concerned you may have oral cancer, you want to search for a dentist who will perform an oral cancer screening. It’s important to get screenings done near your home. By receiving an oral cancer screening in Bethesda or another city near you, you can easily receive recommendations and treatment from your dentist and follow up with tests and treatment at facilities near your home. If you are feeling nervous, interview some dentists and their staff before becoming a patient.
Routine Dental Visits Will Help with Discovering Other Health issues
During a routine dental exam, your dentist will not only examine your mouth but he or she will also examine your head and your neck. The dentist will check your lymph nodes along with a check-up for any lumps, bumps, and other deformities. If your dentist spots any problems, he or she will refer you to the appropriate health professional.
Now I the time to stay on top of the health of you and your family with routine dental checkups. Seeing a dentist regularly will ensure that you and your family not only have healthy teeth and gums, but this will also ensure that other systemic health problems do not develop.
If it has been some time that you and your family have been to the dentist, then it is advantageous that you schedule visits straight away and make routine dental visits a part of your healthcare routine.
Author
Taylor Haskings is a freelance writer born in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with a bachelor’s in English from the University of Colorado, Denver. She enjoys hiking in the Colorado Rockies and loves the fine arts, such as playing the violin. Her true strengths include networking with others and expressing herself through the written word.
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