Today, over 3.5 billion people all over the world suffer from some form of oral health problem. With that number, it’s surprising that only around 60% of Americans have gone for a routine dental checkup in the last year. This is mainly because many individuals still do not understand the role that routine care plays in maintaining their oral health.
So, how often should you visit your dentist? Is it even that important to go for a regular checkup? Many experts say getting dental care at least every six months is crucial to your oral health. Here are six reasons for this:
Dentists Can Detect and Treat Cavities
Regular brushing and flossing are effective in preventing caries. However, when done improperly, your teeth may still be at risk of plaque buildup. This can eventually lead to tartar and cavities, which are little teeth holes. The problem is, at an early stage, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice any warning signs.
A regular visit to the dentist can help prevent cavities because they’re spotted and treated early. When cavities progress, you may have to get dental fillings or even a tooth extraction, and this is what happens when you put your teeth at risk by not visiting your dentist regularly!
Dentists Can Recognize Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer often roots from too much drinking, smoking, and other unhealthy habits. Unfortunately, this dangerous disease does not show signs early. When you start to feel any symptoms, it may already be too late. A dentist can detect even the slightest problems and can conduct a test to determine the situation. Keep in mind that oral cancer can be treated when discovered at its early stage, which increases your chances of a full recovery.
Dentists Can Stop Gum Disease Before It Gets Worse
Similar to other oral health problems, gum disease may get worse without you noticing it. It can be caused by plaque buildup and tartar, which is a serious concern because it may lead to gum bleeding and even affect the bones that keep your teeth in place. When this happens, your oral health will be severely compromised.
Only a dentist can do a thorough exam to determine whether or not you have gum disease. If you are indeed at risk, your dentist can give you the right gum infection treatment to keep it from progressing.
Dentists Can Spot Swollen Lymph Nodes
Keep in mind that dentists do not only inspect your gums and teeth. As experts in the industry, they will also check your neck and your lymph nodes for any sign of swelling. Swollen lymph nodes or any inflammation can be an indication of a major health problem. If your dentist discovers something out of the ordinary, additional tests may be done early on. If necessary, they may also refer you to the right specialist for the specific case.
Dentists Can Discover Hidden Problems With an X-Ray Scan
Dentists can perform x-ray scans of your mouth to see if there are problems that may not be visible from the outside. For instance, constant aches may be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth. If you visit your dentist as scheduled, the expert will be able to figure out the room of the problem so that you won’t have to suffer the pain for longer!
Conclusion
During a routine dental checkup, the dentist will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth. More importantly, they do a complete check of your oral health to see if there’s any sign of trouble. If there are, they will address it immediately. As mentioned, your dentist will only be able to prevent and stop oral health issues when they detect them on time. This is why it’s important that you come in for your routine dental checkup twice a year!
Nassar Dentistry offers the expert services of some of the most trusted dentists in Markham and nearby areas. Get in touch with us today to know more about our dental services or schedule an appointment!