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Don't Skip Your Annual Dentist Visit

April 2, 2014
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Patients that go without visiting the dentist are putting themselves at risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.  All of these things can lead to pain and tooth loss.  It is much better to keep your teeth and gums healthy so that you can avoid needing a dental procedure. Taking care of your teeth is similar to taking care of any part of your body.  For example, we try to eat fruits and vegetables, minimize our red meat intake, and exercise to avoid heart disease.  Similarly, staying out of the sun can prevent skin cancer.  These are common things people do to prevent their body from getting sick.  Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash helps teeth and gums to stay healthy but it is not enough.  A regular dental examination and cleaning is necessary for removing bacteria that cannot be removed with at home care alone. By focusing on preventative care, you can reduce your risk for all types of oral health issues.  We believe in the importance of preventative care and work to educate our patients on how they can stay healthier at home.  For example, by drinking plenty of water your body will produce more saliva that can help to wash away bacteria. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth and eating crunching vegetables can remineralize your teeth, both of which can help you to avoid cavities at home. When you visit the dentist, we can also apply fluoride to your teeth for additional strengthening. When patients don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis it can cause bacteria to spread which can lead to the following oral health issues:
  • Cavities. No matter how old you are, cavities may form. They are made when your saliva mixes with bacteria and forms plaque that isn’t removed. Brushing isn’t always enough to remove plaque because it can become hard. At our office, we are able to use dental tools to remove plaque before it forms a cavity.
  • Gum Disease. This is extremely dangerous but can be reversed when caught early. Gingivitis (the early form of gum disease) won’t hurt very much, so people often go without treatment. It will cause your gums to feel sensitive and maybe bleed a little during brushing. Otherwise, it can go unnoticed. If you don’t visit the dentist and the bacteria along your gum line are allowed to spread, it can lead to full blown gum disease which can cause your teeth to fall out. Many people end up wearing dentures because gum disease wasn’t caught fast enough to be corrected.
  • Bacterial Infections. When bacteria enter the soft area of your tooth (dental pulp) it can cause an infection that is very painful and spreads to your root. If caught in time a simple root canal can be performed where the bacteria is removed along with the infected root. The tooth is cleaned, and you will stop feeling pain. If it is not caught in time, the bacteria can create a major infection where pus start to form inside of the tooth. It has to get out somehow, so your body typically responds by creating a hole in your tooth where it can be released. This is not a good scenario and can be completely avoided with regular dental visits.
Teeth cleanings and inspections do not hurt. In fact, most early treatments don’t hurt either. If you visit the dentist every year, you can avoid the pain that comes from bacteria being allowed to spread throughout your mouth. Schedule your appointment today so that you can stay in good health. 
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