Routine dental visits are certainly a good habit, but why do dentists recommend cleanings and what is it they do? The simplest and most obvious answer is that it’s a preventive treatment meant to keep you healthy. It is relatively easy to maintain a healthy mouth if you have good habits.
Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that about 46% of adults 30 years and older suffer from signs of gum disease, while 26% of all adults in the US have tooth decay. These issues happen because of late detection and bacteria buildup from poor oral habits.
Many of us however have our weaknesses, including high sugar diets and poor oral hygiene. What we can do as dental professionals at a single visit is not enough by itself to keep a mouth healthy. An important part of routine check-ups are the at-home oral hygiene instructions. The dental professionals at Afdent are here to guide you in the best ways to care for your teeth at home, but it’s what you do every day with your brushing and eating routines that are so critical.
This is why a regular dental checkup is important, to identify these problems and solve them right away. To help you understand further, listed below are more benefits of visiting the dentist.
To Detect Early Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the severe dental problems that people encounter. It occurs when a tumor develops in the mouth, the gums, the palate, the inside of the cheeks, or on the tongue’s surface. Some common symptoms include white or red patches in the mouth lining, lumps in the mouth or neck, and mouth ulcers that take weeks to heal. With regular dental checkups, it is possible for dentists to detect mouth cancer in its initial stages and treat it before it worsens.
For Prevention and Treatment of Cavities
Your Afdent dentist also knows how to spot cavities. These are damaged areas that create a hole in your teeth. One common cause of cavities is plaque, a film of bacteria that develops because of food particles stuck in your teeth. As such, visiting your dentist for dental cleanings can help eliminate these bits of food and prevent cavities from forming. In this way, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
To Examine Fillings and Other Dental Appliances
If you are wearing an orthodontic appliance like dental braces, or if you have dental fillings, then regular dentist appointments are crucial. This is because braces usually require monthly adjustments to correct the alignment of your teeth. Aside from that, dental fillings and braces both become loose because of decay, trauma, and biting or chewing too hard. For that reason, your dentist will have to check on them to ensure that they’re secure and to put them back right away in case they break or fall out.
Go to a Trusted Dentist Today
Paying attention to your oral health is just as important as taking care of other systems in your body. So, if you need guidance or assistance, book a dental checkup in Mishawaka or Fort Wayne, IN with our trusted dentists at Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry. We are a dental care provider open to answering all your concerns. Call us today for more details.