Introduction
If you have found yourself with a toothache in the middle of the night, it may be time to make an appointment with your dentist. However, many people don’t realize that regular dental checkups can prevent serious health problems and save them from unnecessary pain and expense. This article will outline several reasons why it’s important to see a dentist every 6 months for preventive care:
Preventive Care is Less Expensive than Restorative Care.
There’s a reason the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” exists. Putting in the effort to keep your teeth healthy and strong so you can avoid problems down the road is worth it.
Regular dental checkups can help you keep track of any issues before they become too big to handle on your own, which means that preventive care will also prevent costly restorative procedures down the road. A simple cleaning every six months can save you thousands in dental bills from more complicated procedures like root canals or crowns, so it’s worth getting into the habit early!
Gum Disease can Lead to Serious Health Issues.
If you have chronic gum disease, the infection can spread to your gums, teeth, and jawbone. The bacteria in the mouth can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. This process is known as a bacterial biofilm.
Gum disease has been linked to several health issues including heart disease and diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and even premature birth. Gum disease is a serious concern for anyone who suffers from it because it affects more than just your mouth; it also affects other parts of the body!
Once Cavities Start, They Don’t Stop!
Bacteria and sugar cause cavities. When bacteria enter your mouth, it converts the sugar in your food and drinks to acid. The acid attacks your teeth, causing a cavity. Cavities can be treated with a filling if you see a dentist early enough. If left untreated, they can cause pain or tooth loss!
Sealants Help Protect Teeth from Cavities.
Sealants are another way to protect teeth from cavities. A dentist applies a thin coating of plastic to the chewing surfaces (sides) of your teeth to form a barrier that helps prevent tooth decay. Sealants look like white or clear plastic, and they’re nearly invisible once applied.
The main reason why many people don’t get sealants is that they’re not aware that they exist! Many dentists recommend them as part of their regular care plan, but if you haven’t gone in for a checkup in some time—or if this is your first visit with a new dentist—it might be helpful to ask directly whether sealants would be appropriate for your situation.
Regular Dental Checkups can Save Your Life!
No, really. Here’s the thing: dental professionals like this Lane cove denture clinic are trained to look for signs of oral cancer. It’s one of the most common cancers in the world and if it’s not caught early, it can be fatal. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the better your chance at a cure. Dentists are in tune with what’s normal when it comes to molars, wisdom teeth, and all kinds of other parts of our mouths—so they’re more likely than anybody else (including you) to catch something if something goes wrong down there before it becomes something serious that needs attention ASAP.
Are You at Risk for Oral Cancer?
The most common symptom of oral cancer is a change in the tissue of your mouth. These changes can include:
- A mass that does not heal
- A white or red patch that does not go away on its own (or goes away and comes back)
- Swelling, pain, or numbness in your mouth that does not go away on its own (or goes away and returns)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist right away so they can take an x-ray and make sure nothing serious is going on. You should also tell your dentist if there has been a recent history of smoking or heavy drinking in your family or if there are other risk factors like radiation exposure from previous work as a medical professional, certain medications used by people with HIV/AIDS, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). This helps them evaluate whether any more tests will be necessary such as an endoscopy where camera-equipped instruments are inserted into the esophagus for further evaluation.
It’s important to see a dentist every 6 months for several reasons.
It’s important to see a dentist every 6 months for several reasons. First, your dentist can check for cavities, a condition that involves the loss of tooth structure and the formation of holes in teeth. Second, your dentist can check for gum disease, which is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup around the teeth. Third, your dentist may be able to detect any signs of oral cancer during these visits if it appears on the surface or root surfaces (inside) of your mouth. Fourthly, in addition to checking for cavities and gum disease (and other health issues), dentists are trained professionals that can examine the tissues inside your mouth and throat using tools like cameras with lights attached; they’re also trained at spotting potential problems before they become serious concerns!
They’ll let you know how often you should come back so they can continue providing excellent care for years–or even decades–to come!
Conclusion
Dental checkups are one of the best preventative measures you can take for your overall health. By making regular visits to a dentist, you can make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and that you’re not at risk for serious illnesses such as oral cancer or heart disease. And if something does go wrong in between those appointments? The earlier you catch it, the better off you’ll be!
