5 Reasons to Move Your Dental Cleaning to the Top of Your To-Do List

Nobody necessarily loves visiting their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However, when you do, you can avoid a slew of oral health problems. Even though it may seem like a professional cleaning and examination is unnecessary when you regularly brush and floss at home, it’s not. Your dentist is professionally trained and educated to spot symptoms and signs that can lead to massive problems down the road, making the hour-long visit well worth your time. Read on for five reasons you should prioritize your semi-annual visits with your dentist.

Detect Oral Cancer Early

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year. The dangerous part about this deadly disease is that it progresses quickly, making it difficult to treat. Each time you visit your dentist for a checkup, they’ll inspect your neck, throat, tongue, and oral tissues for any abnormalities and signs of oral cancer.

If the cancer is found early on, before it has begun to spread, there’s a 90 percent chance of successfully treating it. Over half of patients are diagnosed after the disease has begun to spread to other areas of their body, making routine screenings a vital part of maintaining your oral and overall health.

Control Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Even if you brush and floss diligently, plaque and tartar can collect in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your mouth that can’t be removed with a regular toothbrush. Your dentist is equipped with special instruments designed to reach into these crevices and clear them to reduce your risk of cavities and enamel erosion.

Diagnose and Treat Gum Disease Before It’s Too Late

According to a study conducted by the CDC, one out of every two American adults has gum disease. Even though this condition is easily preventable, without regular checkups and cleanings from your dentist, it can be left to progress beyond the point where it’s curable. When it’s spotted early on, you’ll be able to seek treatment to reverse the symptoms and save yourself from tooth loss.

Keep Bad Oral Habits From Ruining Your Pearly Whites

If you have bad oral habits like grinding your teeth and smoking, they could be wreaking serious havoc on your mouth. When you visit your dentist, they can alert you to any negative impacts your habits are having on your oral health. When you remain informed about destructive behaviors, it can be just what you need to alter your lifestyle and prevent additional damage.

Find Hidden Problems With X-Rays

Many oral health problems may not exhibit symptoms or be visible to the naked eye. That’s why every so often, your dentist will take images of your mouth. Some of these problems are critical, and when they’re not taken care of early on, they can result in needing more invasive treatments down the road. With a dental X-ray, your dentist can view jawbone decay, swelling, cysts, tumors, and impacted wisdom teeth.

Although visiting your dentist every six months sounds like a minor inconvenience, it’s nothing compared to the issues that can develop later on if they’re not taken care of. If you have conditions that appear in your mouth, they can easily impact your overall health when they’re left to spread and progress. To stay healthy and happy for years to come, it’s vital to visit your dental professional for routine checkups and cleanings.

About the Practice

At Dental Dynamics, we’re fortunate to have a team of four highly experienced and trained dentists. We want every patient to feel comfortable in our practice, which is why we take pride in having a kind and caring staff that’s reliable and trustworthy. We also offer comprehensive care for families and use the most advanced dental technology to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 847-329-9801.