Your teeth shine their brightest after a visit to the dentist. But twice annual cleanings offer you much more than a whiter smile and that fresh sensation. Proper dental care keeps your mouth healthy and can improve your overall sense of well-being in surprising ways.
Here are some of the most compelling reasons to book an appointment and keep it!
1. Make Healthier Choices
An important aspect of dental care is education. Your dentist can offer you advice that will help you take better care of your teeth. Habits like clenching your jaw, biting your nails, and grinding your teeth can all lead to oral health issues. Your dentist can offer strategies and resources to help you reduce or eliminate these habits.
Also, while most are aware that sugary, carbonated beverages can damage enamel, not as many know that over-zealous brushing can have the same effect. Regular visits allow your dentist to track these issues as they develop and help you make changes that will lead to long lasting oral health.
2. Prevent Cavities
Tartar and plaque erode teeth and gums, creating holes where cavities can develop. Although brushing and flossing will protect your teeth, even the most diligent routines leave some tartar and plaque behind. Professional dental care removes these stubborn traces before they become damaging.
Your dentist can also identify the earliest signs of a cavity, which are difficult to catch without professional equipment. Identifying the issue early will save you the pain and discomfort of a large cavity.
3. Reduce the Risk of Gum Infection
Troublesome plaque and tartar can also lead to gingivitis and more serious gum disease. First the gums become inflamed, causing discomfort and sensitivity. Without prompt dental care, cases can advance to the point of teeth loosening and even falling out. Early treatment, on the other hand, can reduce gingivitis before serious, irreversible effects take hold.
4. More than Teeth
Your dentist looks at more than just your teeth. A regular check up also involves checking your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes for swelling, lumps or other abnormalities. Any of these signs could indicate a larger health issue, which your dentist can help treat by referring you to another medical professional.
5. Make Sure Medical Care Goes Smoothly
Some dental problems can pave the way for issues elsewhere in the body. If you’re pregnant or will be undergoing surgery, then it’s a good idea to keep up with your dental visits. A clean bill of oral health will help you recover without the chance of other complications.
6. Oral Cancer Screening
One of the most important aspects of dental care are cancer screenings. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer is critical to improving survival rates. Dentists are trained to identify the earliest signs of oral cancer, which can manifest in the mouth, on the gums, or the tongue.
Contact Escarpment View Dental
Whether you have specific oral health concerns or are interested in routine dental care, Escarpment View Dental is ready to help with expert advice and care for you and your family.