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With so many activities and responsibilities dotting the average calendar, it can be difficult to squeeze in another appointment to your already packed schedule. Unfortunately, this often means people skip important preventive care like their six-month dental checkups and cleanings. But while this may save you a few minutes today, it can end up costing you a lot more time, frustration, and even money later. Here’s a closer look at some common oral health problems you could be missing when you don’t visit your dentist regularly, and why it’s so important to make time to care for your smile!
Cavities (Caries)
Cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, are one of the most common oral health problems in the world. These weak spots on the teeth form over time and are usually caused by poor oral hygiene and/or a high sugar, high carbohydrate diet. If caught soon enough by a dentist, patients can often prevent this damage from worsening and may possibly be able to reverse it. However, if the damage has become too severe, it may need to be repaired with a dental filling or crown.
Generally, the sooner the problem is caught, the more natural tooth structure that can be preserved. If left untreated, cavities could eventually lead to tooth infection or even complete tooth loss, so the more frequently you see your dentist, the sooner cavities can be diagnosed and treated, and the better odds your tooth has of surviving!
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue that causes tenderness, swelling, bleeding, bad breath, and if left untreated could eventually result in permanent tooth loss. In its early stages (gingivitis) gum disease is frequently reversible with an improved oral hygiene routine including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Unfortunately, however if you don’t know you have it, you may not realize you need to change your habits to protect your grin, wreaking havoc on your gums and teeth. The good news is that your dentist can help safeguard your smile with proper diagnosis and treatment, but you’ll only be able to get that important heads-up if you make time for your regular preventive checkups and cleanings.
Oral Cancer
According to the oral cancer foundation, there are upwards of 60 thousand new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, and many of them were diagnosed because of an oral cancer screening by a dentist. While you may not have realized it, your preventive oral health exam is looking for more than just cavities and gum disease. It also includes a potentially life-saving oral cancer screening. Thus, attending your regular dental checkups could save your smile and your life!
Jaw Pain
Do you get frequent headaches, or suffer from chronic neck or shoulder pain? Do you have ringing ears (tinnitus), or jaw pain or stiffness? While these may not seem like dental problems, they could be related to your temporomandibular joints, the parts that connect your jaw to your skull. The good news is that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can often be treated by a dentist. However, if you skip your visit, you could be prolonging your discomfort further than necessary.
Remember, while it’s understandable that life gets busy and it may be necessary to cut or postpone some activities in your busy schedule, skipping your 6-month preventive oral health checkups and cleaning is never a good idea. These are your opportunities for your dentist to not just to get your teeth clean, but it can also save your smile and your life by diagnosing dangerous oral conditions that could eventually cause serious harm.
About Our Practice
At Woodside Dental Care, our skilled and compassionate team of dentists, Dr. Cornetta and Dr. Martin, want you to make time to care for your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist every six months for your regular preventive checkups and cleanings. These appointments can protect your smile and help you lead a longer, healthier life. If you’re ready to get your gorgeous grin in shape, visit our website or call us today at 508-644-5200.