Even if you’re not someone that enjoys going to the dentist, there’s definitely a reason to keep every appointment. In fact, there are many different reasons to visit your dentist regularly. It’s not just about having a beautiful smile, although that’s important.
Below are seven facts about dental visits, including why it’s so beneficial and how your visits can become far more meaningful than you probably realize.
1. X-Rays Can Reveal Deeper Issues
X-rays are usually a standard part of a dental visit because they enable your dentist to see your jawbone and teeth from a different point of view. Specifically, an x-ray can reveal what’s happening under the surface of your teeth, which means they can identify and diagnose problems that you cannot see with your eyes. For example, if you have cysts, decay, tumors or more serious issues, they can be identified before you even feel anything happening.
2. You Can Prevent Tooth Decay
Visiting a dentist two times a year can prevent tooth decay because deep cleaning gets rid of tartar and plaque. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, there’s still a need for deep cleaning twice a year. There’s also the issue of cavities that often form without you even knowing until it becomes a major problem and starts to cause pain. You certainly don’t want to wait until your teeth start to decay before you have them cleaned.
3. Your Dentist Can Identify Signs of Cancer
One of the things that your dentist will check when performing an exam is your lymph nodes and thyroid glands. The reason why this is checked is that abnormalities can be a sign of serious health issues, including cancer. In the event that something seems to be abnormal, your dentist will refer you to a doctor. This is important because finding out about a problem in advance can make a big difference in how it’s treated and possibly the outcome.
4. You Can Avoid Painful Issues in the Future
If you’ve been to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned in the past, you know that it generally isn’t a painful procedure. In the event that you’re having work done that’s uncomfortable, the dentist will numb the area so that you don’t feel a thing. However, if you wait until you have a serious problem, there’s a good chance that you will need a procedure that’s not as pain-free as preventative work. In other words, you can pay now or pay later. Waiting could make things uncomfortable down the road.
5. You Can Prevent Gum Disease
There are a lot of reasons why it’s not good to have tartar build-up on your teeth. One key reason is that it can lead to an infection of the gums, which can then result in your gums receding. This is actually what’s referred to as gingivitis and it’s a problem that can become both painful and unsightly. More importantly, it can negatively affect your health. Gingivitis can affect the appearance of your smile in many ways. For instance, it can make your teeth lose, which can lead to your teeth falling out. This is the last thing you want to happen and it’s one of the many reasons to visit a reliable dentist in Wagga Wagga.
6. Bad Breath Can Be Eliminated
Having your teeth cleaned is necessary if you want to prevent bad breath because tartar build up and tooth decay can contribute to a lingering odor. It’s the reason why having your teeth deep cleaned feels so amazing. The dentist or dental hygienist can reach places that you might not be able to reach, which can loosen particles that cause decay and bad breath.
7. Deep Cleaning Brightens Your Teeth
When you have your teeth deep cleaned during a regular visit to the dentist, they will look brighter. If you want to lighten them up a bit more than usual, you can inquire with your dentist about teeth whitening procedures and whether it’s something that can take place on the day of the cleaning.
There’s no disputing the fact that visiting your dentist is something that you should not put off. Going twice a year is worth the time and effort because it can help to optimize your oral hygiene.