Regular dental check-ups are essential to protect the health of gums and teeth. However, did you know they can also have other benefits? Take a look at these five reasons to visit your dentist regularly.
1. Avoid Invasive Dental Treatments
In their earliest stages, dental cavities are very easy to treat. A dentist can drill out a tiny amount of decayed tissue and insert a small blob of dental composite into the hole to fill the tooth and protect it from further decay. However, if you leave the cavity untreated, then the decay can spread until it affects the root of the tooth. An infected root is often very painful and requires more invasive treatment, such as a root canal procedure.
2. Reduce Overall Dental Costs
As well as being less invasive, early dental treatments such as simple dental fillings are also typically much less expensive than more involved treatments such as root canals. If you need to have teeth removed, then the costs of replacements such as dental implants can be very high indeed. Save money by keeping your own teeth in good condition through regular dental visits.
3. Protect Your Overall Health
Many studies have linked gum disease to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease. Dental check-ups can protect you against gum disease by giving you an early warning if you start to develop signs of gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. If your dentist thinks you are at risk of gum disease, they can prescribe a medicated mouthwash to kill bacteria. They can also give you oral hygiene advice to help you be more effective with your daily brushing and flossing.
4. Enjoy Fresher Breath
A dental check-up is a great opportunity to address concerns such as bad breath. Many people suffer from bad breath and are not aware of the simple steps they can take to make their breath smell a little better. Your dentist can advise you on dental hygiene, professionally clean your teeth to remove deeply ingrained plaque and treat any developing gum infections that might be contributing to the bad odour on your breath.
5. Protect Yourself Against Oral Cancer
Most common in people who smoke or drink, oral cancer is easily treated if it is caught early. However, it can be fatal if it is left to spread. Dentists are trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer, such as discolouration inside the mouth. Contact a dentist to learn more.
