Has it been a while since you had your teeth thoroughly cleaned and checked by a dentist? If you’re mentally battling the decision to make a dental appointment, maybe you need to be reminded of a few great reasons to keep up with your dental health. We have five reasons for you to visit your local dental clinic soon.
- Screen for Oral Cancer
When you go in for a dental check-up, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening. This is especially helpful if you have a history of tobacco use (cigarettes, chewing tobacco etc.), alcohol use or a previous oral cancer diagnosis. Detecting oral cancer early can help your dentist take action against further growth. Symptoms of oral cancer are very similar to common, non-cancerous mouth issues such as mouth or lip sores, mouth pain or difficulty swallowing. Because it’s so difficult to tell the difference, ruling out cancer with an oral screening can provide true peace-of-mind.
- Clean Plaque and Tartar
When you don’t visit a dental clinic at least twice a year for professional cleaning, hard plaque and tartar can build up, which can cause a host of problems such as tooth decay, gum recession and more. Getting regular, professionals cleanings ensure healthy, plaque-free teeth and a smile that you’re proud of.
- Gum Disease
There are several risk factors for gum disease – anything from poor oral hygiene, to smoking, to illnesses or medications can cause gum disease. We’ve all heard of “gingivitis”, which is inflammation of the gums. It is cause by a build up of bacteria in plaque, which irritate the gums. Untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, which is further infection of the gums which cause gum recession and leads to tooth loss. Your dentist can help with preventing or treating any stage of gum infection.
- Save your Teeth
As straight-forward as that sounds, many people just don’t like the dentist and choose to skip regular dental check-ups. Even if you brush and floss twice a day, these tools won’t catch everything that could be hiding in tight spaces between the teeth or under your gums. Remember that “gum recession” I mentioned earlier? Untreated, recessed gums can lead to tooth loss, because there’s very little “anchor” holding your teeth in place.
- Save your Money
When you don’t get your teeth checked regularly, issues that you can’t detect on your own can fester into bigger, and often painful, problems that can lead to costly procedures and days out of work. Preventative care through regular check-ups mean your dentist can identify problem areas and help you eliminate them before they turn into an expensive fix. A single tooth replacement can cost up to $1,000. Treating recessed gums can cost up to twice as much. Preventative care through regular check-ups can save thousands in oral care costs
We at Galliano Dentistry understand the fear and stress surrounding a dental visit. Our caring and compassionate team is here to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. Call our dental clinic today to make an appointment, so we can help you achieve your optimal oral health.