Visiting your dentist for an examination regularly—usually every six months—is essential to maintaining your oral health and sharing a bright, healthy smile with the world.
So, what happens if you skip dental visits? Because much of oral health is self-driven, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and if you are not experiencing any tooth or gum pain, you might think that there is likely no harm in missing an appointment at times or not going to the dentist at all anymore.
The truth is that skipping dental appointments can lead to serious oral health issues, many of which creep up on you and are not noticeable until the damage has set in. In most cases, fixing ailing teeth and gums will take more time than simply visiting the dentist in the first place.
The importance of dental checkups
Unfortunately, most issues with teeth and gums develop silently, with few signs that something is amiss. Only when you start experiencing tooth pain, bleeding gums, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages will you realize that your oral health is at risk—and by then, it is sometimes too late to correct or prevent the problem without in-office intervention from your dentist.
Here are some of those “quiet” tooth and gum issues that can develop when regular appointments with the dentist are missed:
Plaque and tartar buildup
While you may not be able to see plaque or tartar on your teeth, their effects can be very noticeable. Plaque and tartar develop when bacteria in your oral cavity stick to your teeth and are not removed. When plaque and tartar are not removed, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Dentists can spot early signs of tooth decay, and routine cleanings can prevent plaque and tartar buildup before they can cause problems.
Gum disease progression
Early-stage gingivitis is usually caused by bacterial biofilms that are attached to tooth surfaces, otherwise known as plaque. Gingivitis can become severe if undiagnosed and untreated and possibly lead to periodontitis.
If periodontitis develops and is not treated, your gums and supporting tissues may weaken, causing your teeth to become noticeably looser and potentially fall out in the area of the affected gumline.
Dentists can easily detect and reverse gingivitis before it becomes a critical issue, making dental visits your most vital tool in gum disease prevention.
Hidden tooth decay
Normal tooth decay (cavities) has a distinct appearance that is usually very easily detected. However, not all cavities are easily identified.
Although signs of cavities can include a brown mark on the surface or enamel that appears cloudy, some can only be identified with dental X-rays. This makes visiting the dentist an essential strategy for maintaining oral health.
Unpleasant appearance of teeth
Caring for your teeth and gums is more than just your oral health. It is about looking good, too. You are proud to share your smile with the world when you are confident in its appearance. However, if your teeth have become stained or your gums puffy and red, you might not smile as much and appear sullen and withdrawn, which can affect your personal and professional life.
Visiting the dentist will help your smile retain its natural lustre, and if your teeth need a little whitening, your dentist can offer safe and effective treatments that can help.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Nobody enjoys being on the giving or receiving end of bad breath. That dry, pasty feeling in your mouth is uncomfortable and ruins many social situations, business meetings, and more.
Bad breath can signify specific health concerns, but in some cases, it is caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash between checkups can help, but getting rid of plaque, tartar, cavities and other oral health conditions by visiting the dentist regularly is the key to fresh breath.
Disease in the oral cavity
Dentists are often among the first to spot the signs of disease in the mouth during routine examinations, so keeping up with your appointments can improve health outcomes if evidence of diseases are present in your oral cavity.
Enjoy personalized service and oral health tips from your dentist
Another essential reason to visit your dentist regularly is the personalized service you receive. At every appointment, you can ask your dental health team questions about your oral health and get advice tailored to your current condition. You cannot get this type of guidance online; after all, Google does not have your dental records, whereas your dentist has them right at their fingertips.
Additionally, your dental team will be able to provide tips and product recommendations, such as electric toothbrushes or flossing sticks, that can improve the health of your teeth and gums. They can also teach you better techniques for at-home care that will help ensure optimal oral health between visits.
In other words, your dentist is not just an oral healthcare service provider. They are your partner in your overall well-being.
If you have not been to the dentist in a while and are interested in learning more about how keeping up with your appointments will help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, make an appointment to visit our office. We welcome the opportunity to explain how we can work together to give you the best, brightest, and healthiest smile possible!
Start a new journey to brighter smiles and optimal oral health with help from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Make an appointment with our dental health team to ensure optimal oral health all year round. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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