3 Reasons To See The Dentist Even If Your Teeth Feel Fine
Has it been a while since you've seen a dentist for a checkup? You might shrug off the importance of a checkup with the excuse that your teeth feel fine. However, how your teeth feel is not that great of an indicator of your overall dental or oral health. It truly is important to see a dentist for routine cleanings and checkups regardless of how your teeth feel. Here are three key reasons why:
Cavities do not hurt until they are really bad.
Cavities are one of the most common, if not the most common, dental malady. They are essentially spots of decay on your tooth. People often assume that if they have a cavity, they'll notice some symptoms, but this is not necessarily the case. By the time a cavity causes pain, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, the cavity tends to be really big. If you go to the dentist for routine checkups, they will notice any cavities when they are still small. At this stage, they are easier to fill and less likely to compromise the structural soundness of the rest of your tooth.
Cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Dentists almost always pair a checkup with a professional cleaning. And a professional dental cleaning does so much more than you can do with a normal tooth-brushing session. The hygienist will remove tartar from along your gumline. Tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque, can cause gum disease and tooth decay if left in place. So, by having your teeth cleaned on a regular schedule, you can prevent further dental problems later on.
Your dentist will check for oral cancer.
When your dentist looks over your teeth, they are also paying close attention to the health of your cheek, gum, and tongue tissues. They will note any potentially cancerous lesions or spots. You may not see these spots yourself since they can be hidden on the side of your teeth or on the roof of your mouth. Oral cancer can progress quickly, and early treatment is often the key to a good recovery. If your dentist sees anything amiss, they can refer you to a cancer specialist, but this is only going to happen if you actually make and attend your regular checkups.
Even if your teeth do not hurt, regular dental care is essential. Cavities and cancer will be diagnosed sooner, and a good cleaning can prevent a lot.
For more info, contact a local family dentist.
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