You’ve probably heard a million times how important it is to monitor and take care of your overall health. While there is no denying how significant this is in maintaining your wellness, unfortunately, oral health can sometimes be forgotten about. The irony, though, is that it’s quite significant to your total well-being. As you read ahead, learn 6 reasons why you should definitely pay your dentist a visit on a regular basis!
#1 – Oral Cancer Detection
This year, around 50,000 people are predicted to be diagnosed with oral cancer. Statistics further show that of that group, nearly 10,000 will succumb to the disease. One of the best defenses against oral cancer, though, is to visit your dentist semi-annually for cleanings and checkups, at which time an oral cancer screening will be conducted.
This is important to have done because with early detection, the five-year survival rate of the disease is as high as 70%. So don’t hesitate to schedule your first visit today.
#2 – The Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Your mouth is constantly bombarded with bacteria. If allowed to fester, they can develop into plaque, a clear, sticky substance that coats the teeth and eventually gathers along the gum line. Over time, it can calcify and form an even more stubborn substance called tartar. If allowed to travel beneath the gums, a chain-reaction of events can occur with negative implications for your oral health.
When you visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup, any harmful growth can be removed so you can have a fresh new start for your oral health.
#3 – Gum Disease Prevention
Alarmingly, statistics show that over half the adult population in America has some form of gum disease. The inflammation and infection of gum tissue, the disease is brought about by acute oral bacteria growth. As plaque and tartar settle beneath the gum line, germ pockets can begin to form, which can lead to progressively worse symptoms, such as permanent damage to the ligaments, tissue and bone beneath the gums.
The earlier the condition is detected, it’s typically less complex to treat. Thus, a preventive care visit could save you a big headache.
#4 – Avoiding Bad Habits
An old axiom states that, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than ten pounds of cure.” This summarizes why it’s so important to nip bad habits in the bud before they can cause major problems. To maintain excellent oral health, such activities as smoking or chewing tobacco, biting into ice or fingernails, and using your teeth to open packages, should be avoided. When you visit your dentist, the professional can make suggestions for ways to overcome any bad habits so you can enjoy the best oral and overall health possible.
#5 – Identifying Hidden Problems with X-Rays
Typically, you can expect X-Ray images to be captured at your first dental visit. These are of great significance because they identify budding problems that may not be detectable by the human eye. The images also allow your dentist to form a baseline for your oral health that can be referred to in the future.
#6 – Head, Neck and Lymph Node Examination
One of the many advantages of receiving a thorough checkup is that your dentist won’t just examine the inside of your mouth. He or she will also assess your neck, jaw and lymph nodes for any abnormalities, swelling or lumps. As alluded to earlier, this leaves the door open to more treatment possibilities if any budding problems are discovered.
Now that you know how important of an asset your dentist is, don’t hesitate to receive the expert care you need. Reach out today to schedule your first visit!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong is a graduate of the University of California in San Francisco. An avid learner, he has received additional advanced training from the University Associates in Dentistry, the Dental Implant Institute of Chicago and laser dentistry training from USFC. Dr. Brong helps patients enjoy the best in oral health at Zumbro Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
