Most people don’t exactly jump for joy when they hear a term like “preventive dentistry.” In fact, many people these days don’t even think that preventive dental care is important. As many as one out of every five Americans hasn’t visited their dentist in several years, according to a survey by the American Dental Association. While it can be more convenient to only see your dentist when you feel pain, skipping a dental cleaning can actually have harmful consequences. Read more below to learn three of them.
You Might Develop Painful Cavities
Cavities start in the enamel, the hard outer shell of the tooth. You may not even feel them for several months. At your checkup, your dentist can detect and fill these cavities before too much damage is done. Without these visits, though, the cavity can progress through the inner layers of the tooth and into its nerve. Not only is this excruciatingly painful, but it often requires more invasive treatment, such as a root canal or even a tooth extraction, to treat.
You Could Lose Your Teeth to Gum Disease
In terms of keeping your mouth healthy, your gums are just as important as your teeth. Too many people neglect the health of their gums by not attending their dental cleanings. The hygienist can use special instruments to remove built-up plaque that you may have missed when brushing and flossing at home.
If plaque isn’t removed, it can cause an infection called gum disease. Although it starts out with mildly red or sore gums, eventually bacteria can weaken the structures keeping your teeth rooted in your jaw. Your teeth could even fall out! In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. If that wasn’t bad enough, gum disease has also been linked to medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
You May End Up Spending More Money in the Long Run
Unlike many health issues, like the common cold, dental problems don’t get better if you leave them alone. In most cases, they actually worsen. Routine checkups can prevent these problems from getting worse and requiring more expensive treatment down the line.
For example, a small cavity can be caught and addressed at your checkup. Ignoring it, however, might increase your risk of needing a root canal or extraction, both of which are significantly pricier than a filling. Not to mention the cost of replacing an extracted tooth.
Skipping a dental cleaning might seem like no big deal, but in the dental world, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To keep your smile healthy, schedule your next checkup today!
About the Practice
At Celebration Family Dental we have a skilled dentists: Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya. He studied dentistry in India before earning their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the New York University College of Dentistry and opening our practice in Carrollton, TX. We have flexible hours and offer Saturday appointments to meet your busy schedule. To learn more about the benefits of attending regular dental checkups, contact us at (469) 892-6647.