The Importance of Your Annual Dental Check-up
In your busy life, it could be very difficult to find time for yourself. There usually is not enough time for the items you wish to do, much less the things you are able to put off like regular dental checkups. But there is a great reason why you need to take the time to have regular checkups with the dental office.
Looking after your teeth requires regular visits to the dentist. We are able to make sure your teeth are actually healthy and resolve small issues before they start to be much larger and more costly to fix. With this blog, the providers at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry explain the reasons why your annual dental checkups are very important.
What happens during a dental visit
What happens during a dental visit is much more than simply washing your teeth. During a dental visit, the dentist examines your mouth, gums, and teeth for an overall analysis of your dental health. You will also be asked to get X rays every couple of years for an indication of what is happening with your teeth beneath the surface.
The dentist may examine your neck and lymph nodes, as that can indicate signs of oral cancer. They will also assess your gums and teeth for loose teeth, signs of cavities (also referred to as dental caries), and early symptoms of gum disease. Your dentist is just as vital to maintaining your health just as your doctor.
Why dental cleaning is very important
Your mouth always feels so clean and refreshed after a dental cleaning, but that is not the sole reason that it is generally provided with your exam. A dental cleaning scrapes away the plaque and tartar that build up for everyone over time, even if you have great brushing and flossing habits.
Cleaning away the tartar is very important because if left untreated, it is able to lead to hardening on the teeth and further gum irritation. Simply washing your teeth at home with regular brushing and flossing is not enough to prevent the build up of tartar and plaque. Along with removing tartar and plaque, we also polish your teeth, and that is what provides that nice, clean feeling.
The benefits of screening your gums
Changes to the overall health of your gums occur slowly over time. In the beginning, you may not even see that your gum health has changed. By the time it gets to a point that you do notice it, it may be too late to easily fix it.
Developing gum disease is almost always preventable, although some individuals are more genetically predisposed to it than others. Gum disease can have significant negative consequences, not only for your teeth, but for your overall health.
Untreated gum disease can result in other health problems, which includes strokes and heart disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease is able to circulate throughout your whole body. It is not really worth the possible risks by missing something that might have been caught early with proper dental care.
Looking after your teeth and gums is very crucial for your general health, and it is well worth the time to book and keep your appointment. If you’d love to schedule an appointment for your next dental checkup, call PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today, or book an appointment online.
