Many assume that if their teeth aren’t hurting, their mouth is probably perfectly healthy. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You can prevent cavities and gum disease with a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine, but it’s also essential to see your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning. They can spot issues in areas difficult for you to access at home and treat them before they can progress into anything worse.
If that’s not enough to convince you to schedule your next dental visit, keep reading to learn 3 of the potential consequences of skipping dental checkups!
Problem #1: Hidden Cavities
You might think that there’s no way a cavity could form unnoticed in your mouth, but according to the CDC, an estimated 26% of adults (roughly 1 in 4) have untreated tooth decay. This could be partly because it’s possible to develop a problem in places that are hard to see or clean on your own, like behind your back molars or between two teeth.
Thankfully, your dentist has advanced dental technology that allows them to see even the furthest corners of your mouth. Whether they use intraoral cameras, digital scans, or X-ray images, they can ensure that you haven’t grown a cavity beneath the surface.
Problem #2: Gum Disease
Did you know that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? This advanced form of gum disease can also enter your bloodstream and contribute to other concerning medical conditions like heart problems or diabetes.
Although it’s often preventable, plenty of patients don’t realize that they have a problem because the earliest form of gum disease, gingivitis, starts quietly. If you’re skipping your dental checkups, you might not exhibit any visible symptoms until the disease has progressed. Your dentist, on the other hand, can identify early indicators and work with you to halt it in its tracks.
Problem #3: Oral Cancer
It comes as a surprise to many patients when they learn that their provider has been screening their mouth for oral cancer during standard appointments. A staggering 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year alone, and in five years’ time, only slightly more than half of those individuals will still be alive.
It’s normal to feel startled by such shocking statistics, but don’t lose hope! This severe condition can often be effectively treated if caught early enough. That’s why your dentist includes a soft-tissue screening as a standard aspect of your regular visits.
Now you have three excellent reasons to call your dentist today to book your next checkup and cleaning!
About the Practice
At True North Dental Group, patients benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a wide range of services under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they can handle everything from preventative care to more complicated procedures. They take the time to learn more about you and your smile goals and concerns so that they can provide fully individualized treatments to meet them. Plus, they’ve combined comfort with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (518) 563-7620.