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Seeing the dentist tops many people’s list of “things we should do eventually.”
A typical dental checkup includes an exam and teeth cleaning. Dentists recommend getting an exam and a cleaning about twice a year.
Aside from maintaining good oral hygiene, going to the dentist helps you catch serious dental problems before they turn into big issues. This will save you time, money, and pain.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a very common problem that can be prevented with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to a severe toothache, infection and even tooth loss.
The bacteria in plaque constantly forms on your teeth, causing an acid that attacks the enamel (the hard, shiny, outer layer of your teeth).
As tooth decay progresses, it breaks down more and more of your tooth’s surface, forming small holes called cavities.
If a cavity is left untreated, it can grow larger and damage deeper layers of your tooth.
If decay reaches the inside of your tooth, it can cause extreme pain and even affect the nerves and blood vessels in the centre of your tooth. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as you notice any problems.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease is a very common dental complication, affecting millions of adults at some stage in their lives. It’s a reversible condition when caught early.
Your dentist or dental hygienist checks for signs of gum infection during a check-up. They may insert a thin metal stick with a bend in one end (periodontal probe) beside your teeth to look for pockets where plaque has built up.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. This causes your gums to get weaker and forms pockets, where bacteria pool and damage the tissues that hold your teeth in place.
3. Bad Breath
When you don’t see your dentist regularly, a number of oral health problems can develop. These can range from gum disease to tooth decay.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily helps eliminate the bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Also, chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and smelling fresh.
Eating foods that can rot or cause food particles to accumulate in your mouth can also contribute to the development of bad breath. Smoking, especially when you do it often, can make your breath smell even worse.
While many cases of bad breath can be corrected by improving your oral hygiene or making changes to your diet and lifestyle, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. In these cases, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to find out what’s causing the problem.
4. Tooth Loss
There are several different reasons why people may lose a tooth. Some of the most common are aging, injury, and poor oral hygiene habits.
If left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to more serious problems. It can create a deteriorating jawbone, gum disease, difficulty eating, and self-esteem issues.
Tooth loss can also result in a person missing out on essential nutrients. With less space to chew, it can be difficult to eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.
In addition, a lack of dental care can lead to more serious conditions such as tooth abscesses. These can spread to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, requiring treatments from other medical professionals.
5. Medical Conditions
Your dentist can often detect the first signs and symptoms of medical conditions like diabetes, oral cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and other serious health conditions that may affect your whole body.
In addition to checking the inside of your mouth for abnormalities like swollen gums or a swollen tongue, dentists also check your neck and lymph nodes for swelling, lumps, or other changes that could indicate a serious medical issue.
UCSF School of Dentistry professor Jennifer Perkins says that her students and faculty find many patients who have systemic diseases — including HIV, AIDS, and cancer — with oral lesions that would not appear in people without these diseases. This makes it important for dentists to be able to recognize and refer their patients for treatment if a medical condition arises.
