Going to the dentist every six months is probably not your favorite thing to do, and you may even dread it! According to the American Dental Association, cost and dental phobia are two of the most common reasons why people don’t maintain regular visits with their family dentist.
However regular dental check ups are a crucial part of maintaining your overall health, not just the health of your teeth. As such, it’s so important to find a dentist whose dental services you feel comfortable with. So before you consider putting off a dental check up because of fear or cost, consider all the risk factors involved.
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about and why it’s so important to find a dentist, here are 6 important reasons why regular family dental care is a must:
Oral cancer
Even if you don’t use tobacco products, it’s important to undergo regular screenings for oral cancer. Like many forms of cancer, oral cancer can manifest in several ways, many of which are so subtle or asymptomatic that only a good dentist has the experience to identify it. Early stage oral cancer is often easy to treat, however it can become dangerous if when left undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Oral cancer screenings are non-invasive, pain free, and quick, which is a plus for people with dental phobia!
Cavities, plaque, and tartar
Everyone knows that plaque and tartar build up can cause discoloration in white teeth, but did you know that they can also lead to disease? Even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing regularly, there are still small areas of the mouth which are difficult to clean and therefore easily missed. Plaque build up isn’t just unsightly, but it can lead to tooth decay. Cavities are easy to miss and usually don’t become painful until a great deal of decay has already happened. In addition to being painful, a decayed tooth poses a serious health threat, as it can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Gum disease
In addition being unsightly and contributing to tooth decay, plaque and tartar can also lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. The inflammation caused by plaque and tartar build up can slowly erode gum tissue and cause infection. This inflammation will cause the gum to recede as it progresses, and may cause swelling, soreness, and bleeding throughout the mouth. When left untreated, the gums and connective tissue that hold teeth in place will eventually begin to break down to the point where teeth are loose!
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease, including 70% of adults aged 65 and older also living with this condition. Periodontal disease can serious health consequences on the entire body when left untreated, so it’s critical to find a dentist you feel comfortable going to on a regular basis.
