It’s been some time since you’ve been in a dentist’s chair, but you take decent care of your teeth and are not in any pain. Surely your teeth and gums are perfectly fine, right? Here are a few reasons why you must regularly see your dentist, no matter how great you are about tending to your oral hygiene.
Cavities, Tartar and Plaque
With plaque, tartar and cavities, you do not always see signs of them when you look at your teeth in the mirror. Even those who meticulously brush their teeth can often miss a few spots. Over time, plaque buildup hardens and becomes tartar, which only an oral health professional can remove. Left long enough, tartar becomes cavities, which you may not notice until long after your teeth sustain substantial damage, which may require a filling or even an extraction with extensive damage.
Oral Cancer
Do you know the signs of oral cancer? Dentists do, which is another reason to visit them at least twice a year. One of the biggest dangers of oral cancer is that it can progress quickly, even to where it can become fatal, notes the journal of clinical dentistry. Oral health technology has advanced to where screening for oral cancer is pain-free, quick and non-invasive. A simple visit to your dentist may save your life.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is another oral health complication that can sneak up on you. While you can identify the signs of gum disease when you notice bleeding, soreness and swelling of your gums, by that point, you may already have extensive bone deterioration. Your dentist can help you identify gum disease early and help fight against it with a professional cleaning.
Going to the dentist every six months may not be something you look forward to, but doing so is necessary. Take steps to protect your smile and your oral health for years to come.