8 Reasons to Get Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Dental checkups help detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They also allow dentists to educate patients on how to better care for their teeth and gums.
While it may seem like a hassle to get regular dental check-ups and cleanings, they can save you money in the long run by catching problems early on.
1. Prevent Gum Disease
When was the last time you went to see a dentist? Many people don’t think about their oral health until problems occur. The best way to prevent these issues is through regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Gum disease is a serious problem that can affect your oral and overall health. It begins in the earliest stage, gingivitis, and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Regular dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and catching any other problems before they worsen.
During your routine visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for red flags that indicate problems may be developing. If they find anything, they can take action to prevent the problem from advancing, such as performing a deep cleaning or prescribing a gum disease mouthwash.
Other signs of gum disease that you should look out for include red or swollen gums, tenderness, and bleeding during brushing and flossing. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
2. Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Getting regular dental checkups can keep your teeth healthy and avoid future health problems. Your dentist can catch things that might be going wrong with your oral health, such as bad habits like smoking or vaping, chewing gum, teeth grinding (bruxism), and a poor diet. They can also help you change these habits to prevent further damage.
Even the most fastidious people sometimes fail to clean all parts of their mouth, especially hard-to-reach areas like back molars. During routine visits, dentists can identify these areas that need extra attention and help you brush more effectively to prevent tooth decay.
Your dentist can also use your exam to look for signs of other health issues, such as swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw. These can be a sign of certain types of cancer and other diseases that need to be treated early. It can save you a lot of pain and money in the long run. This is one of the most important reasons to get a dental checkup every six months.
3. Prevent Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth that can cause decay and other dental problems. A regular cleaning from a dentist removes these bacteria, and can prevent bad breath from returning.
A regular oral exam and cleaning can also help detect gum disease, infection, and dry mouth which may contribute to halitosis. If you have any issues, they can be resolved early on before they get worse, which saves time and money in the long run.
Bad breath can also be caused by a variety of factors, such as certain foods like garlic and onions, smoking or chewing tobacco, and some medical conditions. A dentist can offer advice on how to improve oral hygiene and can recommend the best toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwashes and tongue cleaners. They can also teach you good brushing techniques and show you how to floss properly so that you can eliminate food particles between teeth and under the gum line. This will also help you to avoid developing cavities.
4. Prevent Tooth Decay
Regular brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help to prevent tooth decay. But, they are not enough on their own to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You need to visit the dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and checkup, which Grin Dentistry in Fishers, Indiana, offers. This will allow your dental professional to catch any issues early and prevent them from getting worse.
Tooth decay starts when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the enamel of the tooth. If this continues for too long, the tooth can break down and develop a hole, called a cavity. Tooth decay can cause many symptoms, including tooth pain, bad breath, and sensitivity to hot and cold food.
During a cleaning and checkup, your dental hygienist will remove any plaque that has built up against your teeth over time. This will help to prevent tooth decay, as well as freshen your breath and give you a healthier smile. Regular visits to the dentist also provide education on oral hygiene, and your hygienist can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
5. Prevent Oral Cancer
During regular dental visits, hygienists use special tools to look for and remove calcified plaque in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. If these deposits are not removed, they will eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Besides preventing oral health problems, this procedure can also detect early signs of cancer in the mouth and throat.
If left untreated, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe damage. It is important to get an oral cancer screening every year as a part of your routine dental visit. This is especially true for those who smoke, drink alcohol, or are at high risk of developing this disease.
Visiting the dentist regularly can help you avoid many other serious health issues as well. Dentists can identify underlying oral problems and offer advice on how to improve your lifestyle choices. For example, they can check for damage caused by smoking and other destructive habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) and a poor diet. This will help you live a healthier life and keep your smile for a lifetime.
6. Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke
When you visit your dentist for a regular cleaning, they clean your teeth and gums, as well as take x-rays to check for problems. They may also perform a full oral cancer screening. This helps to prevent serious dental health issues like cavities and gum disease.
Researchers have found a link between gum disease and heart disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can actually enter the bloodstream and clog arteries. This can lead to strokes and heart attacks. However, if you get your teeth cleaned regularly, the gum disease bacteria will be eliminated and your risk of heart disease and stroke will decrease.
Additionally, teeth cleanings can help to prevent other health problems like autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that inflammation is at the root of many known chronic health conditions, so preventing as much inflammation as possible is key to staying healthy. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can then lower your risk of developing other health problems.
7. Prevent Other Health Issues
You might think of dental checkups and cleanings as just an important part of your oral health routine, but they can actually help prevent other health issues. For example, research has shown that there is a connection between periodontal disease and diabetes, which can lead to serious health problems. So, if you notice any signs of gum disease during your dental exam, it is important to visit your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Regular oral examinations can also identify unhealthy habits like teeth grinding, nail-biting, and tongue thrusting that may cause long-term oral health issues. Dentists can provide advice and tips on how to improve these unhealthy habits.
Dental checkups can detect dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease early on, which can save you time and money in the long run. In addition, regular cleanings can remove plaque buildup, which can prevent bad breath and other dental problems. So, if you want to avoid expensive dental procedures and maintain good oral health, make sure you get your routine dental exams and cleanings on time.
8. Boost Your Confidence
Getting a good, healthy smile is a great confidence booster. It can give you the confidence to smile and interact with others without feeling self-conscious about how your teeth look. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can prevent gum disease and other serious oral health problems, as well as keep your breath fresh and your teeth white.
Your dentist can use X-rays and other diagnostic tools to look at the interior of your mouth, including the gums and jaw bone. This gives them a better understanding of your oral health and can help them catch and address any issues before they become serious and require more extensive treatment.
While some people dread visiting the dentist, it is important to prioritize these appointments as they can offer many benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. From preventing oral disease to boosting your confidence, you can get a lot out of these visits. Besides, a healthy mouth is linked to many other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can be healthier and happier.
