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Why Dental Checkups Are Essential

Dreading your next visit to the dentist? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

An estimated 36% of adults in the United States share this fear, with nearly 12% of Americans avoiding visits to the dentist altogether due to extreme fear. In fact, the fear of going to the dentist, dentophobia, is considered one of the most common phobias experienced by adults in the modern world.

While your fear might be totally warranted, it’s not a good enough reason to skip a dental checkup.

Checkups are essential to your oral health. Even if you’re confident that you have perfect oral health, there’s still a good chance that your teeth need professional care and maintenance at least once a year.

Most oral health problems take time to develop. The only way to catch them before they become problematic is by being proactive and taking the initiative to see a dentist regularly.

Why Should You See a Dentist Regularly?

“If I’m not experiencing any pain or discomfort, then why should I see a dentist?”

We’ve likely all been guilty of such considerations at one point or another. Many people rush to see a dentist when experiencing a dental emergency, but avoid going for checkups out of fear of having a bad experience.

The irony is, going for regular checkups is a great defense in preventing the very dental emergencies that might force a dentist visit in the first place.

The importance of dental checkups cannot be overstated, and listed here are just some of the reasons why:

Bleeding Gums Lead to Many Problems

Bleeding gums are neither normal nor something to tolerate. Allowing your gums to bleed can result in many oral illnesses. It can speed up the formation of cavities or create pockets under the gum line, leading to severe inflammation and allowing bacteria to accumulate and eat away at the surrounding tissue. Such infections eventually lead to weakened bones and tooth loss. Visiting a dentist even once every six months makes it possible to identify and treat bleeding gums quickly before they develop into something worse.

Constant Tooth Pain is Not Normal

Tooth pain is almost always the result of a cavity forming. When the pain becomes constant, it’s a sign that the cavity has exposed the nerves. Teeth that become badly damaged by cavities may require a root canal procedure or an outright extraction.

You don’t have to wait until a cavity becomes your own personal torture. Routine trips to your dental clinic in Trenton can prevent them from forming, or at the very least, treat them before they become a problem.

Cavities are Easier to Fill When Detected Early

Cavities are easier to identify and treat when they’re detected early. That’s why visiting a dentist regularly is important, even when you have no pain or discomfort.

Most cavities can fly under the radar for months before you notice them. In fact, you only begin to notice a sensitivity to hot and cold foods or a lingering pain when you eat sugary foods if the cavity has already penetrated the enamel (the hard surface of the tooth).

If you have perfect teeth with no cavities, the least you can do is take proactive steps to keep it that way. Regular dental checkups can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy.

Checkups Reveal Oral Cancer in its Earliest Stages

Dental checkups can detect oral cancer early, while it’s still in its treatable stages. There is no other way to detect this before the symptoms start manifesting.

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially when it comes to cancer. Maintaining your oral health is far more important than you may have even realized.

You Can Stop Plaque and Tartar From Building Up

You’re almost always guaranteed a professional cleaning when you visit your dentist for a checkup. This is more than a formality because it prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar, two leading causes of tooth decay.

Conclusion

Dentophobia is real, and you have every right to fear the dentist office. That being said, neglecting your oral health due to fear is not an option.

Checkups are not just essential, your oral health depends on them. Visiting a dentist regularly is the only way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues.

Moreover, checkups cost significantly less than all other dental procedures, even though they detect and help prevent nearly all causes of oral illness. Don’t avoid the dentist, choose one that goes the extra mile, takes time to answer your questions, and makes the patient the priority? In or around the Downriver Michigan area, the professional and caring team at Southshore Dental checks all these boxes, and more. First-time patients can receive FREE teeth whitening for life! All you need to do is schedule your new patent exam and pay a small one-time $29 enrollment fee. Schedule your appointment today and see why Southshore Dental was voted America’s Best Dentist today!

Southshore Dental delivers quality dental care for your whole family. We work with patients of all ages, with all oral health backgrounds, to help them get healthy, beautiful smiles. Try us out for yourself to see how we can help you feel more confident with your smile.