When you think of staying healthy, do you think about visiting your dentist? It can be easy to forget that maintaining your oral health with regular dental checkups is a key part of your overall wellbeing. However, a trip to your dentist is about so much more than keeping your pearly whites clean. Here are six reasons why scheduling a dental appointment is so important for both your smile and your general health.
1. Detect Oral Cancer
According to Delta Dental, more Americans are diagnosed with mouth or throat cancer than cervix or stomach cancer every year. You may not notice the earliest symptoms of this dangerous condition, but your highly trained dentist is able to quickly identify them. Recognizing oral cancer as early as possible is key to treating it successfully.
2. Control Tartar and Cavities
Tartar is a tough, yellowish substance that hardens onto your teeth and can only be removed by your dentist. It’s brimming with bacteria that tirelessly eat away at your enamel to cause cavities. Once the outer layer has been damaged, your tooth may become uncomfortable and require dental work to be restored. Thankfully, a simple professional dental cleaning can remove tartar and bacteria before they become destructive.
3. Prevent Gum Disease
The plaque, tartar, and bacteria that build up in your mouth can also cause a condition known as gum disease. This common infection in the gum tissue will initially cause tender, swollen gums that bleed easily, but can lead to permanent bone damage and tooth loss if left untreated. However, if it’s caught and treated in its early stages, the symptoms can be reversed entirely.
4. Stop Bad Habits
You may be damaging your teeth on a daily basis without realizing it. During your regular visit, your dentist can alert you to issues like nail biting or teeth grinding and how they may be impacting your oral health. Your dentist will work on fixing any damage that has been caused as well as give you guidance on breaking these bad habits.
5. Look for Issues Under the Surface
X-raying your teeth and jawbone allows your dentist to examine your health below the gumline. They may discover issues that you can’t see or feel yet, like jawbone deterioration or impacted teeth, and treat them before they cause you any discomfort.
6. Spot Hidden Health Conditions
A dental checkup includes an examination of your neck, jaw, face, and lymph nodes as well. Your dentist will carefully look for any swelling, discoloration, or abnormalities that could indicate larger underlying health concerns. Along with oral cancer, they are highly trained to recognize systemic conditions like diabetes, leukemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, which may present their earliest symptoms in your mouth.
Skipping a regular dental appointment may save you a little time and money now, but it could cost you much more down the line. When you take care of your oral and overall health with regular visits to your dentist, both your smile and your body will thank you!
About the Author
At American Dental Care in Conway, SC, we strongly believe in preventing problems before they happen. Dr. Tommy Murph offers dental checkups six days a week so that you can get the oral healthcare you need with an appointment that fits into your busy schedule. He would be thrilled to help you achieve the happy, healthy smile you’ve always wanted, so feel free to contact him via his website or (843) 488-4357.