A regular dental checkup is one of the most important aspects of a good oral healthcare routine. However, many people skip these appointments or go less frequently than they should. If you are in this situation, whether due to time constraints, financial concerns, a fear of the dentist, or any other reason, you should consider how avoiding regular dental checkups could be impacting your long-term oral health.
Dentists do not encourage regular visits because they want patients to be inconvenienced. They are so adamant about visiting on schedule because they know that professional dental checkups perform essential tasks that at-home care cannot.
Dental checkups do take time out of your day, but they are worth the investment. The primary reasons that patients should be sure to attend their checkups on schedule are as follows.
Dental checkups are opportunities for dentists to identify issues before they worsen. For instance, if a dentist spots the first stage of gingivitis (gum disease), they can advise the patient on what to change. This might mean choosing a different toothbrush, using antibacterial mouthwash, or improving their flossing technique.
By noticing this early formation of gingivitis and providing treatment, the dentist is sparing the patient from worsening inflammation, which can lead to periodontitis. Unlike gum disease, periodontitis cannot be reversed, so skipping out on the dentist appointment could mean life-long consequences.
The aesthetic of a person’s smile is affected by many factors, such as the alignment of their teeth and whether their gums are positioned. However, most people would agree that one of the first things that someone notices about another person’s smile is how their teeth look. Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best ways to keep the smile healthy.
Dentists remove calcified buildup, which can change the appearance of teeth. They also help keep the teeth clean and smooth so bacteria have more difficulty establishing colonies. By removing bacterial accumulation, the teeth remain healthier, and the enamel stays thicker, hiding the yellow-colored dentin inside the teeth. It is often this dentin being visible through eroded enamel that contributes to a discolored smile.
Even the best tooth brushers will experience buildup on their teeth in the form of plaque and tartar. Once these deposits harden, they can no longer be removed at home with a regular toothbrush or floss.
Instead, the dentist will need to use specialized tools like scalers to chip away at the buildup. This keeps the gums healthy and provides a service that at-home care cannot. Thus, visiting the dentist regularly to remove tartar should be a part of patients’ oral care routines.
Most people think of a dentist visit as the time that they spend in the chair having their teeth scraped, flossed, and polished. However, another essential part of a regular dental checkup is the oral exam.
The dentist will palpate (feel) the cheeks, tongue, and other mouth structures and visualize them under a bright light. This enables them to identify problematic areas, such as redness or lumps, that could indicate cancer. The faster oral cancer is detected, the better the prognosis.
Regular dental checkups should be just that — regular. Seeing the dentist consistently does wonders for a person’s oral health, but it also serves an equally important function: establishing a history. The more frequently that a patient gets X-rays and reports on their oral health situation, the more accurately a dentist can spot small changes over time.
This way, they can track areas of decay or notice a problem with tooth roots before the issue results in pain or damage. When a dentist only sees a patient infrequently, they do not have the history that they need to make future predictions.
Regular dental checkups are a valuable way to keep your smile in good condition for as long as possible. However, there is no need to feel ashamed if it has been a while since your last appointment! Our dentist would never judge you; instead, they would be happy to see you for a checkup. Reach out to schedule an appointment, as the best time to invest in your oral health is now.
Request an appointment here: https://smilewellsouthbay.com or call SmileWell Family Dentistry at (310) 904-6375 for an appointment in our Torrance office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Torrance, CA.
If you have never seen a dentist, it has been a long time since your last visit, or perhaps you had a bad experience at some point, it would help a lot to know what to expect at a dental checkup. Dental professionals work hard to put every client at ease. Regardless of the treatment…
Some people genuinely fear getting a dental checkup. Yet, not only is seeing a dentist essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it is also a process that is not scary at all. Dental professionals recommend a checkup every six months. That way, you can prevent a simple problem from becoming a serious issue.…
There are many reasons you should have a dental checkup, but it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist. The gums, teeth, and tongue all play a significant role in helping you have a nutritious diet. When these do not work well, you may not be able to eat the right foods.…
Dental checkups are a common way of preventing gum disease and cavities. Not every visit is the same, but knowing what to expect can help you better understand the process. Your dentist will go over your medical history during the appointment. That way, the dentist can think about family conditions that might affect your oral…
Those seeking a straighter smile who would like to avoid treatment with braces have another option, thanks to Invisalign®. This clear aligner system discreetly and conveniently addresses many tooth alignment issues. Though many prefer Invisalign to braces, for this reason, these clear aligners are not for everyone. If you are considering Invisalign, here is an…
Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…