Why are check ups essential?
/Check ups are essential if you want to maintain a healthy oral health. It's recommended to see a dentist every 6 months but some patients may need to see their dentist/hygienist every 3-4 months. It's important to be seen at a check up because at this appointment the doctor will do a routine check up that consists of a full mouth evaluation, x rays and inta-oral imaging. This will help the dentist find any abnormalities that otherwise may go unnoticed. Some of the most common issues that go unnoticed when checks are not routine are tooth decay, oral cancer, gum disease, swollen lymph nodes and clenching of the jaw just to name a few.
Here are 4 critical reasons why you should make a check up to your dental office essential.
Prevents the growth of plaque, tartar and cavities. These are the most common problems people have when they do not visit the dentist. You can still brush and floss daily and still be vulnerable to cavities and plaque due to sugars in your diet and other factors of your diet and oral hygiene. A professional dental cleaning can significantly help with prevention. Also, visiting a dentist for a cleaning is far more affordable than visiting a dentist for fillings or other treatment that can occur if not seen regularly.
Helps detect oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease that can manifest in many ways. Oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until its too late and becomes life threatening. It is always better to know its signs before it gets to the point of threatening your life. Thankfully with advanced science and technology oral cancer is treatable. Regular visits to the dentist can help avoid this disease. The dentist/hygienist can recognize abnormalities and guide you through the next step of care.
Reduce gum disease. Plaque and buildup not only cause teeth issues but also can cause gum issues like infection in the gums, receding gums, swelling and disease. This happens when plaque continues to build up. With no checkup, the buildup will eventually lead to bone loss and loose teeth and possible abscess in the gums.
Keep bad habits in check. Bad habits can have a negative effect on your oral health. Some of which people are unaware they are doing. These habits can include, biting your nails, chewing ice, clenching, grinding, chewing on the cheek, eating sticky chewy candy and sweets, smoking, drinking alcohol, brushing too hard, not flossing, drinking too many drinks that stain and too many acidic foods and drink like lemons. If you visit a dentist regularly, the dentist will be able to go over any oral damage caused by these habits.
According to a report published by The University Of California, patients who visit a dentist regularly for care are less prone to suffer from heart disease.
Visiting a dentist regularly will help maintain good oral health and prevent disease.
