Early Detection is Key: The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

About 3.5 billion people worldwide have oral diseases, with untreated tooth decay the most common health condition. Unfortunately, skipping routine dental checkups can increase your risk of decay and disease. Scheduling a dental consultation could improve your oral and overall health.

It could even help you save money. These are only a few benefits of dental checkups, though. Read on to learn more about the importance of dental examination today!

Preventive Dental Care

In Canada, about 59% of children ages 12 to 19 have or have had a cavity. Though cavities are largely preventable, 96% of adults have a history of cavities. As a result, 6% of Canadian adults no longer have any natural teeth. 

Preventive dental care can help you avoid cavities and other oral health problems. Otherwise, neglecting your oral health can cause:

  • Tooth loss
  • Gum disease
  • Pain
  • Discomfort
  • Disfigurement

Oral health issues can compromise your overall health. For example, gum disease can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Tooth decay can increase your risk of a life-threatening infection.

During routine dental exams, your dentist or hygienist will assess your oral health. They'll remove plaque and tartar that's built up around your teeth.

The mixture of bacteria, food particles, and saliva can cause plaque to form. This is the clear, tacky substance that can cling to your teeth. If you don't brush plaque away, it can harden into tartar.

Plaque and tartar can release acid, destroying protective tooth enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay. 

Visiting your dentist regularly can help you avoid decay and other health problems. You can receive immediate treatment before your oral health deteriorates. Avoiding extensive health issues can help you save money.

Talk to your dentist about your ideal dental check-up frequency. Most patients should schedule visits every six months, but if you have specific oral health issues, your dentist may recommend you visit more often.

Avoid Gingivitis

Plaque and tartar can build below your gum line, compromising your oral and overall health. Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Symptoms of early gum disease include:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Gums that are tender, swollen, or red
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Partial dentures no longer fitting
  • Foul-smelling breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Malocclusion (a change to your bite)
  • Pus between the gums and teeth

If you experience these symptoms, visit your dentist right away. Without immediate treatment, your gum disease will progress. The advanced stage, periodontitis, can increase your risk of chronic conditions.

These include lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. As your gums recede, your teeth could become loose. Your risk of losing teeth will increase.

Your dentist will recognize the signs of early gum disease during your next checkup. They can treat the infection before it spreads. 

Early treatment (dental deep cleaning) involves cleaning below your gum line. You may require scaling and root planing treatment to clean below the gum line. You can't treat gum disease on your own.

If you delay seeking treatment, you may experience painful symptoms. You may require surgery before your health is further compromised.

Cancer Screening

Regular oral health maintenance ensures you receive routine cancer screening. Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

  • Malocclusion
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Ear pain
  • Swelling, bumps, or lumps in the mouth
  • White, speckled, or red patches in the mouth
  • Sore throats
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking

Your risk of oral cancer can increase due to heavy alcohol use, excess sun exposure, or having a weakened immune system. Your dentist can provide prevention tips. 

During your routine appointments, they'll inspect your entire mouth. They'll recognize signs of oral cancer to ensure you begin immediate treatment. 

Keep Your Breath Fresh

Does your breath stink even after you brush and floss your teeth? Bad breath (halitosis) could indicate you have a bigger problem. For example, cancer, heartburn, and infections can cause bad breath.

Your dentist can recognize the source of your bad breath before providing customized recommendations. Otherwise, your bad breath can cause self-esteem issues. You may feel self-conscious in social settings if you don't remedy the problem.

Brighter Smiles

Regular dental appointments can improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist can make recommendations to help you accomplish your goals. You can develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

For example, your dentist may recommend cosmetic and restorative dentistry services. To improve your smile, you can repair broken or misshaped teeth, and teeth whitening procedures, veneers, and crowns can brighten your teeth.

Improving the appearance of your smile can benefit your self-confidence and oral health. Your dentist can provide tips for maintaining your beautiful smile, too.

Recognize Mistakes

You may not realize that your at-home oral hygiene routine keeps you from having a beautiful smile. A few small mistakes can have a big impact on your oral health. For example, maybe you're using the wrong technique when brushing your teeth. 

Brush your teeth using small circles (not back to back). If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can recommend products that can improve your oral health. 

Maybe you fail to floss your back teeth, causing plaque and tartar to develop. Your dentist can show you how to improve your technique.

Changing your at-home routine can reduce your risk of oral health issues. Otherwise, you may need to increase your dental checkup frequency.

Professional-Grade Tools

Your toothbrush isn't always enough to clear away plaque, and it's also not capable of removing tartar from your teeth. Visiting your dentist can ensure better results.

Your hygienist will use professional-grade tools to clean your teeth. Regular teeth cleanings can help prevent plaque and tartar from building up. 

Schedule Your Dental Consultation Today

Don't let your oral health deteriorate. Instead, schedule your next dental consultation. Regular check-ups will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. 

Our team at Newmarket Dental Care will take proactive steps to transform your smile. We provide quality dental care in a fun, rewarding environment.

Trust our exceptional customer service and experienced team. Contact our office today to schedule your next dental checkup!