Creative Commons image by John Dill
If you’re brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing daily, you might wonder if you really need to see your dentist every six months. The answer is a resounding yes! If you’re wondering why dental checkups are necessary, read on to find out.
Gingivitis Starts Innocently
With half of all Americans suffering from gum disease according to the American Society of Periodontology, it’s vital to have this condition diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent bone damage and tooth loss. The first symptoms of gingivitis, which is early gum disease, can be gum swelling, redness, irritation, and bleeding when flossing. Clinical signs can actually start before these symptoms, however.
Your dental hygienist will look for pockets (spaces between the gum tissue and the tooth) each time you come in for a cleaning. If they are larger than 3 mm, you might be on the way to developing gingivitis. He or she can catch this condition early and help you reverse it before you even notice symptoms on your own.
Cavities Can Be Painless
Dental decay generally begins as a tiny sticky point in the dental enamel. Your dentist might notice this while poking around your teeth during your routine visit, or it might show up on a dental x-ray. At this point, treating the cavity is extremely quick and easy.
Once decay gets into the dentin, however, it spreads quickly. You will often have a sensitivity to heat and cold, and you might develop a toothache as the decay moves toward the nerve of the tooth. If it does get into the nerve space, you may end up needing a root canal and crown or even an extraction. Nip problems in the bud to save yourself pain and financial expenses.
We Look for Signs of Oral Cancer
Perhaps the most important reason to have regular dental checkups is that your dentist will be checking for signs of oral cancer each time you have a cleaning and exam. Since cancer can begin as a tiny, painless lesion, this is something that you should have done regularly. This is particularly important if you smoke or chew tobacco, but anyone can get oral cancer. Cancer is almost always more treatable when it is found early, so don’t neglect this important part of your health.
If it’s been six months or more since your last dental checkup, please call our office today to schedule one. Your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth will thank you!
