Has it been six months already? Many of us dread visiting the dentist because we associate it with the painful symptoms that make us need a visit, not the pain-relief and disease prevention that usually follows a visit. Regardless of age or oral habits, here are some reasons to stop ignoring your dentist and schedule an appointment today!
The Yearly Check-ups
The check-up usually consists of the dentist assessing the situation in your mouth followed by a teeth cleaning that will leave your mouth fresh and clean. The checkup and cleaning are important for prevention and early detection of problems. Even those who rigorously brush and floss twice a day are vulnerable to gum disease, gingivitis, plaque buildup and a multitude of other issues that usually accompany cartoon examples plastered on the walls of the dentist’s office. While most dental professionals recommend a visit every six months, it is not a hard and fast rule. With that said, make sure to visit the dentist at least once a year! If you think it has been too long since your last appointment, you are probably right.
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Make an Appointment for a Cleaning BEFORE the Pain Sets In
Your next check-up is usually scheduled at the end of your latest visit to the doctor, well in advance. However, if you experience a change in the condition of your mouth you should make an appointment today regardless of when your next check-up is scheduled. If you feel any of the following tooth-related symptoms, call to make an appointment before it gets worse:
- Tooth pain can mean a multitude of things, get it checked out to know for sure!
- Inflamed gums are caused by plaque and often indicate gingivitis or periodontitis
- White spots and an increased sensitivity to hot and cold are both symptoms of tooth decay leading to cavities and possibly more serious issues
- Stained or discoloration in any way is a key indicator that teeth need professional help
- Canker sores that don’t seem to go away
- Dry mouth may be a result of bacteria or disease in hard-to-reach places
- Headaches in the morning could be an indication that you grind your teeth at night
- Bad breath and a metallic taste in your mouth are early indicators of gingivitis
Poor oral hygiene creates a rabbit hole that you want to avoid falling into. Brush and floss twice daily, schedule regular check-ups with your dentist and be vigilant of changing conditions in your mouth.
SEE ALSO: How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve the Appearance of My Smile?
No Cavities? Great! But You Still Need to Visit the
Dentist
A common misconception about visiting the dentist is that you don’t have to go if you don’t have any cavities. While we congratulate every cavity-free patient on a cleaning well done, we still encourage patients to come back in six months to ensure teeth remain cavity-free. There could be a whole host of other issues with your teeth that don’t have to do with cavities, such as removing wisdom teeth, the need for a root canal, when to get braces and more.
Duffield Dentistry is Waiting for You!
Dr. Larry Duffield is the Royal Oak general and cosmetic dentist with a special interest in providing all aspects of dentistry and a winner of the 2015 Patients’ Choice Awards! Call 877-630-7410 with questions or for more oral hygiene tips or contact us online and schedule your next dental appointment at your convenience.