Going to the dentist isn’t necessarily high on their bucket list. In fact, around 9% to 15% of people say they avoid going to the dentist because of dental fear and anxiety and make an appointment right away. Read on to check out this list of 7 benefits of regular dentist visits that will save you and your teeth.
What Happens At A Dental Visit
A visit to the dentist waterloo consists of two parts. First, the dentist will examine your entire oral condition, including your teeth, gums, and tongue, as part of a routine checkup. Next, they will take x-rays to better understand what’s going on inside your mouth. After this, the dentist cleans with various tools such as scrapers and small mirrors to allow a basic tooth cleaning of plaque or tartar build-up. Then, the dentist draws up a follow-up plan and arranges appointments with you for any further work that may be required, e.g. a root canal treatment or a filling.
1. Prevent Future Issues
You may think that a dentist waterloo only works on your teeth, but other aspects of dental health should be considered. One of the benefits of regular dental visits is that the dentist can identify concerns that could develop into bigger problems down the road. For example, if a small cavity seems to be developing or your gums are not in good shape, you can get treatment immediately.
Many people suffer from plaque build-up and gum disease that go unnoticed because they didn’t make it to an expert soon enough. A dentist can also check for early signs of oral cancer or other serious illnesses.
2. Save Your Teeth
Sometimes we get to a point where a tooth is so decayed and rotten that it needs to be pulled. You only have one adult set of teeth, so the permanent loss of one can affect the overall condition of your oral health. When you lose teeth, various things can happen in your mouth, including your teeth shifting on their own. This could cause discomfort and completely change your smile as you know it. Preserving your teeth is one of the best benefits of regular dental visits, as it prevents something irreversible.
3. Education On Proper Dental Hygiene
Many people must be aware of how to properly manage their dental hygiene. Most people brush their teeth once a day and never floss. This may not sound like a big problem, but it can lead to bigger problems in the long run. Habits as small as brushing your teeth after meals and flossing at least once a day can help fight bacteria in your mouth and promote healthier teeth overall. If you need more of a personalized dental hygiene routine, keep up with your dental checkups so your oral health is monitored by professionals.
4. Help With Related Issues
You may not have even thought of some issues related to your dental health. Difficulty in sleeping or headaches caused by grinding your teeth. Targeting and treating these issues is another benefit of regular dental visits. Even if the dentist cannot give you anything to completely fix the problem, he can refer you to the appropriate specialist.
5. Treat Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath isn’t just a morning breath or eating too many onions. Bad breath can occur after repeatedly practising poor oral hygiene habits. This is not a problem that you should ignore or deal with yourself. Make sure you see a dentist to determine what is causing the odour and how to fix it. Sometimes it can be a medical condition that needs immediate treatment.
6. Give You Peace of Mind
A toothache or concerns about oral health can keep you up at night. There are problems which, if left untreated, can lead to very serious consequences, e.g. if you leave a decayed tooth in your mouth for too long. For this reason, you should visit your dentist regularly. A dentist will be able to keep up with what’s going on in your mouth, help with the pain and discomfort, and then provide you with a follow-up plan. All of these components help you live with more peace of mind and worry less about how bad a problem might be.
7. Have A Good Smile
This is one of the superficial benefits of regular dentist visits. Still, it actually has some deeper benefits that come with it. Everyone will agree that they would love to have a nice smile. Well, regular visits to the dentist can help achieve this. This pearly white can be achieved by regular cleanings and following your dentist’s recommendations for taking care of your teeth. It can be caused by wearing braces or by having dental surgery. Whatever the case, a dentist can point you in the right direction to help you build the most beautiful smile and boost your self-esteem.
How often should you visit the dentist?
Teeth are an area that often goes unchecked, but keeping your oral hygiene in order is just as important as the overall of your body. The NHS recommends a dental checkup every 6 months. However, your dentist may suggest more regular checkups depending on the condition of your teeth. With regular appointments, your dentist will assess the general condition of your teeth and gums and allow you to raise any concerns you may have. They also offer advice on maintaining good oral hygiene.
What are the main risks of not going to the dentist?
Your teeth can deteriorate quickly if you don’t have them professionally checked. However, there are several risks of not going to the dentist. So if you want to stay healthy and prevent long-term problems, always make time for dental appointments.
It will not cause the following problems:
Gum Disease
When bacteria and tartar build-up along the gum line, it can inflame the gums and cause gum disease. There are some telltale signs of gum problems like redness, irritation, bleeding, and receding gums. At first, your symptoms can be fairly painless. Still, small spaces between your teeth and gums can be affected as the condition progresses, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular teeth cleaning ensures that plaque and tartar are removed before gum disease develops. However, regular brushing and flossing are sometimes not enough to treat the problem. If you don’t see any signs of the condition, a dentist can identify and diagnose the problem, so you don’t make it worse.
Rotting teeth
If you take care of your teeth, they will remain problem-free for years. However, rot is a problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Toothache, coloured stains on teeth, and toothache can be signs of decay, often resulting from poor care, a sugary diet, or lifestyle choices. If you don’t go to the dentist, decay can quickly take hold of your mouth and cause irreversible damage.
Missing signs of serious illness
Did you know that changes in your mouth can indicate other health problems like cancer, stroke, and heart disease? This is why regular dental appointments are so important. You could miss serious health problems that will only worsen if not recognized quickly. It would help if you never underestimate the benefits of a visit to the dentist.