If you’re thinking about skipping out on your routine dental cleanings or checkups, think again. Seeing your dentist regularly does more than polish your pearly whites. Putting off your biannual visits means you’re taking away valuable opportunities for your dentist to detect and treat dental problems early. Even if you have the most meticulous oral hygiene routine in the world, there are still parts of your mouth, particularly below the gumline, that you cannot clean as well as a professional can. As a result, you may encounter these 3 oral health problems if you skip a dental cleaning.
#1: Cavities or Tooth Decay
If your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, plaque will begin to dissolve your enamel, creating cavities.
In its earliest stages, you may not experience any discomfort or even know a cavity is there. It may even take months to form.
Going to the dentist regularly ensures your cavities are caught early and filled before they can reach the inner layers and nerves of your teeth. By the time it reaches that point, it will be extremely painful, and any treatment will be much more invasive.
#2: Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Oral hygiene is about more than just your teeth: your gums are equally as important. Visiting your dentist (or dental hygienist) regularly is the key to removing the bacteria that accumulates on the gumline. Leaving bacteria that hardens to the teeth tucked away deep beneath the gums where brushing and flossing can’t reach can lead to gum disease.
In earlier stages, your gums may be red or inflamed. If the infection is allowed to progress, however, microbes will begin to destroy the tissue that holds your gums to the root of your teeth. Eventually, the bacteria can start to break down your jawbone, which can lead to permanent damage and tooth loss.
#3: Oral Cancer
Did you know that roughly 54,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year? That’s why your dentist dedicates a portion of your biannual exam to checking for common symptoms, like red and white patches along the floor of your mouth. This is crucial because this condition is highly treatable if it’s detected in the early stages. Simply put, your routine visits to your dentist benefit your oral and overall health, so don’t skip them!
Your dentist is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your smile. Keeping up with your checkups and cleanings is key to preventing oral health problems from developing or worsening.
About the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, husband-and-wife team Drs. Clayton Odenweller and Brooke Buller go above and beyond to protect your smile. The practice provides judgment-free preventive dental services such as dental checkups and teeth cleanings, dental sealants, nightguards, oral cancer screenings, and fluoride treatments. Drs. Buller and Odenweller recognize that most dental care happens in the home, so they aim to set your smile up for success during and after your appointment. If you are in need of a dental cleaning, contact Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna at their website or by phone at (614) 475-1874.