Many adults believe that they only need to visit the dentist if something is wrong, or if they start feeling pain, but this is definitely not the case! Emergency dental visits can actually be avoided altogether with regular checkups.
During a checkup, your dentist will be able to identify signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer before they become a more serious problem. Early detection of these issues is the best way to help you save time, money, and reduce potential emergency visits in the future.
Did you know that your oral health is one of the most important aspects of overall wellness? It may seem strange, but what happens in your mouth affects a lot of other parts of your body. While regular brushing is an important aspect of dental health, there is no replacement for regular dental checkups.
Studies show that only about 1 in 10 people brush their teeth the right way. That’s another reason why a dental checkup is so important: a checkup gives your dentist the opportunity to learn about how you take care of your teeth and give you advice for best practices. If you’re not brushing enough or brushing incorrectly, then it’s vital that you learn how to do it properly so you don’t end up back in the dental chair with more problems!
Your dentist can catch cavities before the pain hits.
Most people are familiar with cavities think of painful spots where bacteria has eaten through enamel, and may attribute sensitivity to hot and cold foods or sweets. However, cavities often have no symptoms until after they have contributed significant damage to the tooth. If you can’t feel a cavity, it’s very unlikely that you will be able to see it. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly because he or she uses special equipment to see all surfaces of your teeth and identify cavities in the early stages before they become more severe.
Letting cavities go undiscovered can cause much larger problems, including extreme pain and infection potentially leading to tooth loss. Broken, crooked, or missing teeth can affect speech, make it difficult to chew food properly and may even require expensive corrective procedures if ignored for too long. A checkup helps to identify these problems early on, so your dentist can treat them before they become more serious.
Your mouth is more than just teeth. Visiting the dentist regularly means they can catch signs of oral cancer or gum disease.
Your body’s best defense against serious health problems is good dental care. Inflammation from gum disease, caused by oral bacteria, has been shown to play a role in cardiovascular disease. Due to a lowered resistance to infections, people with diabetes are at greater risk for losing teeth as a result of gum infections. Regular visits to the dentist can help catch warning signs for these conditions before they spiral out of control.
At a checkup, your dentist checks more than just your teeth. They will look at your gums, under your jaw, the insides of your lips and cheeks, the sides of your tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. This helps the dentist identify any early warning signs of oral cancer, which can help prevent its spread to other areas of the body later on.
Visiting the dentist can be scary, but they’re here to help.
If you’ve never been to the dentist before or it’s been a long time, the thought of going may be scary and overwhelming. Don’t let fear of the unknown be a deterrent! You are not the first person to experience anxiety related to the dentist and you will certainly not be the last. All dentists have experience dealing with first-time patients, patients who are fearful, or those who just have no idea what to expect. Communicating your fears once you arrive is the best way to alleviate them. Your dentist will be more than happy to explain the process and provide you with tips to make your visit as painless and stress-free as possible.
Remember: 
Good dental health is twofold! Proper daily care that includes brushing and flossing is only effective if you visit your dentist regularly. Think of your checkups like auto maintenance; even if you fill your car with gas when it’s empty, it won’t run properly if you don’t visit the mechanic for regular oil changes. You owe it to yourself to do what’s best for your overall health and wellness!
Practicing good dental habits helps improve your appearance, leads to a better quality of life, and most importantly…gives you a smile you’re proud of!
Has it been more than “a little while” since your last visit? Ideal Dental has a variety of practices in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, making it easier than ever to find the location most convenient to you. We offer a variety of services to meet all of your needs.
It’s time to stop making excuses and do what’s best for your overall health- today! Click here to find the dental practice closest to you.