Experts recommend that everyone visits their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Have you ever been tempted to skip one of these appointments? Granted, they can seem like a bother, especially if you take good care of your teeth at home and do not have any obvious symptoms of a problem. But skipping a dental cleaning has the potential to lead to serious consequences for both your mouth and body! What is the worst that could happen? This blog post explains.
Cavities
When you miss a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar may start to build up on your teeth, even if you brush and floss every day. Your toothbrush might not remove all of these deposits, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, the accumulation allows bacteria to attack your enamel, creating weak spots that develop into cavities.
A skilled hygienist can thoroughly remove deposits of plaque and tartar and help your teeth stay cavity-free for the long haul.
Gum Disease
Without regular professional cleanings, plaque can move below your gumline and harden into tartar. This process irritates your gums and creates inflammation. Without timely treatment, gum disease could cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that trap even more bacteria. Left unaddressed, gum disease can become severe and damage the structures that support your teeth.
Regular dental cleanings can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease. Your dental team can also diagnose this issue in its early stages, before it causes severe damage to your oral tissues.
Pain
You may not feel discomfort immediately after missing a cleaning, but dental issues often develop silently. Cavities, gum disease, and infections can progress without obvious symptoms until pain suddenly appears. This pain might interfere with eating, speaking, or daily activities. By delaying your checkups, you make it more likely that a problem will advance to a point where you must deal with an urgent dental emergency.
Tooth Loss
When you do not receive professional care, minor issues may become major threats to your oral health. Untreated cavities and gum disease can damage your teeth and the bone underneath. Eventually, this damage can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss. Regular cleanings allow your dentist to identify and address concerns early, so you can keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Consequences for Your Overall Health
Oral health has a strong connection to your general well-being. Skipping dental appointments gives harmful bacteria greater opportunity to enter your bloodstream, which can impact other parts of your body. Scientific studies have linked poor oral hygiene to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Plus, your dental team will screen you for oral cancer during each routine checkup. They may identify suspicious tissue and help you get a diagnosis and treatment before the disease spreads to other parts of your body.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important! Instead of skipping these appointments, make them a priority in your schedule.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith, Alex Hartgrove, and Meghan Greene work together at Brookside Dental Care to provide top-quality, comfortable care for the Prestonsburg community. Our team offers thorough examinations, gentle cleanings, and a broad range of other services. If it is time for your next preventive appointment, we would love to welcome you into our office. Contact us at 606-874-9311 to request a visit.