Going to the dentist is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but millions skip their appointments yearly. So, why do many people skip their dental appointments?
People often skip their dental visits because they feel anxious, worry about costs, or think they don’t need checkups unless they have pain. Other reasons include busy lives and the fear of being judged for how their teeth look. However, many don’t realize that those regular dental visits do more than clean your teeth. Regular dental checkups have many long-term benefits, including:
Preventing Dental Problems
One major advantage of seeing your dentist regularly is that it helps you avoid future dental issues. Most dental problems can be painful and costly to treat when left untreated, and might even impact your overall health. So, by preventing these issues, you can save yourself from unnecessary pain and costly treatments down the road.
Some preventive procedures your dentist can perform during the routine dental visits include:
- Teeth cleaning— You don’t need a dental issue to get your teeth cleaned during your dental visit. Your dentist will remove tartar and plaque and polish your teeth to prevent buildup that can cause cavities.
- Fluoride treatment—Besides cleaning, your dentist might recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and reduce acid production by bacteria. If they think you might be at risk for fluoride deficiency, they’ll suggest this treatment
- Dental sealants—These are thin plastic coatings placed on the grooves of your teeth. They help protect against bacteria and food particles that can cause decay. Your dentist may recommend sealants if you’re at a higher risk for cavities or tooth decay. The process takes less than an hour, and it helps protect you from future problems while saving you money on potential treatments
Detecting Signs of Health Problems Early
Your mouth’s health is closely related to the overall health of your body. Dentists usually first spot signs of systemic diseases since many of these issues show symptoms in your mouth. You can spot these issues early by visiting your dentist regularly before they worsen.
Here are some key health issues your dentist can help catch during a routine dental exam:
Diabetes
Signs like gum disease, dry mouth, and fungal infections like thrush can be signs of diabetes. If your blood sugar isn’t under control, you might get infections more easily and have a harder time healing after dental work. If your dentist sees these signs, they can suggest you check in with your primary care doctor for a closer look.
Oral Cancer
One big reason to see your dentist regularly is to catch oral cancer early. Dentists know what to look for, like unusual sores, lumps, or weird patches on your tongue, gums, and mouth. Most dentists will include oral cancer screenings in their regular checkups. Finding it early can help with treatment.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis makes your bones weak, including the bones in your jaw. If your dentist sees loose teeth or a receding jawbone on your X-rays, it might indicate osteoporosis. Catching it early allows you to talk to your doctor before it worsens.
Heart Disease
There’s a strong connection between gum disease and heart problems. Ongoing inflammation from gum disease can raise your chances of heart attacks and strokes. If you have signs of severe gum infection, your dentist might recommend checking your heart health.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions like Crohn’s disease can lead to dry mouth, inflammation, or sores. If you keep experiencing these symptoms, your dentist might suggest additional tests to check for autoimmune issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Vitamin shortages, particularly B vitamins, iron, or folate, often appear in your mouth first. You might notice a swollen tongue, cracked lips, or sores in your mouth. Your dentist can spot these signs and recommend tests or changes to your diet to help fix the deficiency.
Treating Bad Breath
After a thorough dental cleaning, patients often notice their breath smells much better. Bad breath, or halitosis, usually comes from bacteria that live in plaque and tartar. These bacteria create sulfur compounds that give off a bad smell.
When a professional cleans your teeth, they eliminate these bacteria, which helps eliminate a major cause of bad breath. Plus, during your dental check-up, your hygienist can spot any underlying issues causing ongoing bad breath, like gum disease or dry mouth, and suggest the right treatments. Tackling these problems is essential for maintaining fresh breath in the long run.
Getting a Brighter Smile Through Stain Removal
Regular dental cleanings not only freshen your breath but also help brighten your smile. Over time, things like food, drinks (for example, tea, coffee, and red wine), and smoking can stain your teeth. While brushing helps with some surface stains, professional cleanings can handle tougher discoloration.
Your hygienist can use special polishing techniques and pastes to gently remove these stubborn stains, bringing out the natural shine of your teeth. Polishing the teeth makes a big difference in your smile, boosting your confidence and making you feel great about your appearance.
Reviewing Past Dental Work
Dental restorations like onlays, crowns, veneers, and inlays can get damaged over time. If you don’t fix these issues, they might lead to more serious problems and affect your oral health. During your regular check-ups, your dentist will look at the condition of your restorations. They can fix any damage or suggest a solution if they find any.
Getting Tips on How to Maintain Good Oral Health
After checking your mouth, teeth, and gums for any issues, your dentist will advise you on habits and lifestyle changes you might need to make to keep your mouth healthy. If you’re at risk for certain dental issues, they’ll let you know how to prevent further damage. Here are some common tips you might learn about during your routine check-ups:
- Tips on following the right diet and nutrition—If you’re at risk for dental issues or show signs of underlying health conditions, your dentist will recommend which foods to eat and which to avoid. They can advise you on avoiding sugary snacks and hard foods since these can harm your teeth
- Tips on how to stop grinding your teeth —If your dentist notices signs of chipping or breakage that might be due to bruxism (teeth grinding), they’ll suggest ways to stop this habit and protect your teeth.
- Teaching children about oral hygiene education—Just like adults, children need regular dental check-ups too. During these appointments, the dentist will teach them how to properly brush and floss their teeth to remove plaque and food particles effectively
- Stopping bad habits—Your dentist might discuss avoiding habits like chewing ice and smoking during your visits. If you smoke, you can experience tooth discoloration and bad breath. If you don’t see your dentist regularly, you might not realize the risks of these habits until more serious problems, like gum disease or mouth cancer, arise
Getting Answers to Your Questions
Another main benefit of visiting the dentist regularly is that you can talk directly with your dentist and hygienist without interruptions. They can share tips on how to help you or your kids brush their teeth better and guide you in picking the right toothpaste. You can also clear up any confusion about the latest online trends and rumors regarding oral health. Plus, they can also provide insights on how to enhance your smile through cosmetic dentistry. This one-on-one time with your dental professionals can help you improve your smile.
Your Dentist Can Help You Treat Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can affect your daily life. It not only disrupts your sleep but can also lead to other health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Your sleep apnea might be linked to your oral health, so it’s a good idea to visit a dentist in addition to your primary care doctor.
A common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. Dentists often ask their patients if they snore and how bad it is, since snoring happens when the airway is partially blocked during sleep.
Another sign of sleep apnea is bruxism, which is when people grind their teeth. If someone shows signs of bruxism, they’re more likely to have sleep apnea. Dentists also check the shape and size of the jaw, as a smaller jaw can increase the chances of having this condition.
Dentists can help with sleep apnea in several ways. First, they need to understand the cause, which they can figure out through specific tests. Based on the results, they’ll suggest treatment options, which could be as simple as changing your sleeping habits or as serious as surgery.
Routine Checkups Save Money in the Long Run
Some people think they only need to see a dentist when they are experiencing a dental problem, while others believe avoiding visits saves money. Unfortunately, missing out on regular check-ups can lead to bigger dental issues, including cosmetic procedures that could cost you more in the long run. Preventive care is often cheaper than treatments for existing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about routine dental checkups:
What Can I Expect During My Dental Visits?
During a dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will start by asking about your recent medical history. They’ll take a look inside your mouth and figure out if you need X-rays. If you have a specific treatment plan, the hygienist might use special tools to check your gums for any signs of gum disease. Then, your dentist will assess your overall dental health and perform an oral cancer screening. This involves holding your tongue with gauze, examining your mouth thoroughly, and checking your jaw and neck.
Who Needs to See a Dentist More Often Than Every Six Months?
You might need to see the dentist every three months or even more frequently if:
- Your teeth become sensitive when you eat hot or cold foods
- You have dental work like fillings or crowns
- Your gums look swollen or bleed when you brush or floss
- You frequently have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- You’re not happy with how your teeth or smile look
- You’re pregnant
- You find it hard to chew or swallow
- You feel pain or swelling in your mouth, neck, or face
- You’re receiving medical treatments like chemotherapy or hormonal therapy
- Gum disease or tooth decay runs in your family
- Your mouth often feels dry
- You have health issues like eating disorders, heart disease, or are HIV positive
- You smoke or use tobacco products
- You notice a sore or spot in your mouth that doesn’t seem right and isn’t healing
- Your jaw pops or hurts when you open and close it, chew, or wake up, and your bite feels uneven
I Do Not Have Any Symptoms. Should I Still Visit the Dentist?
Even without symptoms, you might have dental issues only a dentist can spot. Going for regular check-ups helps catch problems before they start. Staying on top of your dental care is as important as any other health routine. You should let your dentist know about any changes in your health, as some medical conditions can impact your dental health too.
What Should I Do While At Home?
You can do a few things at home to keep your mouth healthy. First, brush your teeth two times a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush approved by the ADA. You should also floss daily to eliminate food bits and plaque between your teeth. Use a mouthwash to kill bacteria in the crevices of your teeth, like under your gums. Also, remember to brush your tongue gently with a soft toothbrush to help eliminate bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
If you snack on strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic, drink water to rinse your mouth before heading out. And try to avoid smoking, as it can contribute to bad breath too.
Find A Skilled Dentist Near Me
According to the American Dental Association, you should see the dentist at least twice a year. While brushing and flossing at home matter a lot, regular trips to the dentist are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums in good shape. During your visits, your dentist can catch any dental issues, tackle any underlying problems, and check to see how previous treatments are going.
Although dental check-ups might feel like a lot of work, the benefits far outweigh any discomfort or anxiety about procedures. Your oral health is a significant part of your life, and you want a trustworthy dentist to care for it. At The Hawthorne Dentist, we provide various dental services for your whole family. We cater to clients needing check-ups, preventive care, and treatment in Hawthorne, CA. Give us a call today at 310-775-2557 to schedule your appointment.
