We understand that dental exams can be time-consuming and anxiety-inducing. Still, if you’ve ever wondered whether dental exams are really that important, you should know that they’re one of the most essential appointments you can have.
Regular dental exams are a critical part of preventive health care. They help keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean but also help your dentist detect issues that can affect your overall health. In addition to this, regular dental exams allow your dentist to spot early signs and symptoms of oral problems, which can prevent you from needing surgery or emergency dental care, saving you money in the long run.
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of dental visits and the top reasons why you should see your dentist regularly.
Types of Dental Visits?
Although dental exams and cleanings are essential, they are not the only type of dental visit you can benefit from. The great thing about seeing your dentist regularly is that they can recommend other services to help keep your oral health in top shape.
Some of the different types of dental visits you may come across include:
- Restorative dental care
- Root Canal appointments
- Oral surgery services
- Emergency dental care
- Teeth Whitening
- Orthodontics
What Can A Dental Exam Detect?
A dental exam consists of two parts: the check-up and the cleaning. Both are equally important and allow your dentist to examine your mouth for anything affecting your oral and overall health.
During your regular dental exam, your dentist can detect any of the following issues:
- Damaged or decayed teeth
- Plaque or tartar build-up
- Early signs of cavities
- Oral diseases
- Early signs of mouth or throat cancer
- Gum diseases
- Signs of teeth grinding
- Signs of bleeding or inflammation
5 Reasons to Visit Your Dentist
Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms or signs of oral health problems, you still need to make regular dental exams a priority. Routine dental visits are crucial for maintaining your overall health.
To understand why dental exams are so important, take a look at these 5 reasons why you should visit your dentist:
1. Bad Breath
You can experience bad breath for a few different reasons. Some causes of bad breath include:
- A buildup of bacteria on the teeth or tongue
- Gum disease
- Underlying health conditions
Although bad breath can be treated at home with daily cleanings and flossing, Sometimes only professional cleaning can properly remove the bacteria to treat bad breath.
2. Tooth pain
Tooth pain can be a temporary issue or a sign of something serious. Serious toothaches need treatment by a dental professional to help resolve the pain, and whatever problem is causing it.
Tooth pain may be a sign that you are experiencing:
- Tooth decay
- A bacterial infection
- A broken tooth
- A damaged filling
If the underlying cause of your tooth pain is serious and is left untreated, it can continue to develop and could seriously damage your overall health.
3. Bleeding Gums
The leading cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line, but can also be caused by:
- Bleeding disorders
- Improper oral hygiene
- Infection
- Leukemia
- Vitamin C deficiency
If you have bleeding gums for a prolonged period, you must see a dentist. Bleeding gums can be a sign that you are experiencing other serious health concerns.
4. Tartar Build Up
Plaque is the sticky film that sticks to your teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria, but you can remove it at home through regular brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, if you don’t remove plaque often or well enough, it can turn into tartar that only a professional can clean.
If plaque and tartar aren’t removed, it can lead to:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Bad breath
It’s important to get regular cleanings from your dentist to avoid issues later on.
5. Teeth Becoming Yellow
Yellow teeth can leave you unhappy with your smile. Luckily, your dentist can:
- Diagnose the cause of your yellow teeth
- Book you a teeth whitening appointment
- Recommend at-home treatment methods
Visiting your dentist regularly can leave you with a whiter smile, helping you be more confident!
So, Are Dental Checkups Worth the Effort?
Regular dental checkups are absolutely worth the effort. Regular dental checkups keep your teeth clean at a professional level, makes sure your mouth is healthy and can help to prevent and detect health concerns.
Save Money
If you’ve gotten this far, you know that one of the reasons regular dental exams are so important is because it allows your dentist to help you prevent future issues. This obviously has a positive effect on your health, but it also positively affects your wallet.
Generally speaking, the earlier your dentist spots an issue, the easier it will be to treat. Often, when an issue is detected in earlier stages, the treatment to correct the problem is cheaper than the more significant procedures needed later on.
Schedule An Appointment
If you have any questions or concerns about dental exams and cleanings, or if it’s just time to book your next bi-yearly appointment, you can schedule one here.
