It can be hard to find the time for dental checkups. Between work, kids, and everything else going on in life, it’s easy to put off dental visits until you’re experiencing pain or notice a problem. But dental health is important – especially since dental problems can lead to major health issues if left untreated. In this blog post we’ll discuss five reasons why dental checkups are essential for your oral health!
Reason #1: They Help Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Dental checkups help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. For starters, they allow your dentist to closely examine your teeth and gums for any potential signs of these problems. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to identify enamel demineralization, which is the first sign of a cavity. As long as the cavity has not started to form, your dentist may be able to remineralize your enamel to prevent the cavity from forming. Dentists can also identify signs of early gum inflammation and can help you prevent this from turning into full-blown gum disease. Dentists can do their best to prevent dental issues, but only if they’re able to see your current oral health status through a dental checkup.
Reason #2: They Help You Maximize Your Oral Health Routine
Dental problems can go unnoticed for a long time, but dental checkups allow your dentist to provide recommendations on how you can improve the health of your teeth and gums – such as by brushing or flossing more often or changing toothpaste. Your daily oral hygiene routine is important for maintaining your oral health, since it makes up the majority of your dental care. This is why it is so important to make sure that you are using the best dental techniques and products for your unique oral health needs. For example, you may need to use a certain type of floss or a particular brand of toothpaste to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Reason #3: You Get Screened for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer rates are on the rise and it can affect the various soft tissues of the mouth including the lips, inner cheeks, under the tongue, gums, hard and soft palates, and pharynx. Oral cancer can go unnoticed for long periods of time, which can be dangerous since it may not be diagnosed in the early stages. Regular dental exams allow your dentist to identify lumps, abnormal coloring, or other unusual texture in the mouth – which may be the first signs of cancer. They can then refer you to the right place to get a diagnosis confirmation and the proper treatment.
Reason #4: Catch Dental Problems Earlier
Dental checkups help to catch dental problems that could develop into major health issues if they’re left untreated. Dental problems are easier and less expensive to fix when caught early on with dental screening services like x-rays or an oral cancer exam. Plus, there’s less pain and discomfort when dental issues are treated at an early stage.
Reason #5: Dental checkups can save you money
Over time dental problems left untreated will grow worse and require more expensive treatments to fix them – so it’s easier (and less costly) to catch dental issues early on with regular dental checkups. Paying for a dental filling is much more affordable than paying for a root canal and custom dental crown.
