Reasons to Schedule Regular Appointment With Your Dentist

Your smile is essential to your overall physical and emotional well-being regardless of who you are or where you're from. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to good oral hygiene and minimize your risk of severe illnesses. They can also positively impact your confidence, social interactions, and career prospects.

While practicing good oral hygiene habits and eating the right food can help, they may not be enough to maintain your best smile. For this reason, you should regularly see your dentist each year. These checkups can catch issues early and even prevent them from happening altogether. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize its significance until they contract something serious and pay for even more expensive treatments.

If you want to stay confident and healthy, this article will explain why you should schedule regular appointments with your dentist. 

1. Regular Dental Appointments Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, it's a common dental problem caused by bacterial infections. It happens when you don't clean your teeth and remove plaque. Plaque builds up when you don't brush or floss enough, and not eliminating it can turn into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. You should also know that this condition can develop slowly and without pain, so you may not realize you have it until it's too late. 

Besides being painful, it can cause your gums and bones to deteriorate and even lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can also negatively affect your self-esteem and prevent you from enjoying your life. You can avoid this unpleasant condition by keeping a clean mouth, eating the right foods, quitting smoking, and scheduling regular dental checkups. 

2. They Can Help Prevent Cavities

People get cavities because of plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria on teeth that can erode tooth enamel and create tiny holes. Foods and drinks high in sugar, acidity, or processed ingredients can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. This common dental issue can negatively affect your health, self-esteem, and quality of life. 

If you catch cavities early, your dentist can place a filling to prevent further damage. They may also recommend oral hygiene tips to avoid tooth decay from happening again. However, if you leave it untreated, cavities can lead to a tooth abscess or even destroy the inside of the tooth, which may require extraction. It can also cause more pain, lead to severe health problems, and result in costly treatments. 

3. Regular Dental Appointments Can Screen for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a severe and fast-moving disease affecting the mouth or throat. Men have a higher chance of contracting it than women, and smoking and excessive drinking can increase your risk. You should also know that you may be at higher risk of contracting oral cancer again if you previously had this condition. 

Fortunately, you can increase your chances of survival through early detection and treatment. Always tell your dentist about any new symptoms or changes in your mouth. They’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, tongue, gums, throat, jaw, and neck for abnormalities during your dental appointment. 

4. They Can Help Treat Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth occur when either the enamel or roots of teeth are worn down or exposed. This condition can happen because of cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, or worn fillings. The Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) states that over 12% of people experience tooth sensitivity. 

When you notice tooth sensitivity, you should immediately consult your dentist because it can indicate something more serious, like cavities or tooth abscesses. From there, they can diagnose the problem and suggest the best treatment.

Conclusion

Everybody deserves to feel confident about their smiles because it can significantly affect their self-confidence and overall health. You can protect one of your best assets by following good oral hygiene habits and regularly visiting your dentist for checkups. 

If you’re looking for a trusted family and cosmetic dentist in Monroe, GA, visit Taylor Made Smiles! Our dental practice has kept the city smiling for over four decades by providing excellent dental care and treatment options. Request an appointment now!