Are you guilty of skipping your checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Spring Hill to make time to go out with your friends? Even though you brush and floss at home every day, your dentist is specially trained to spot the early signs of harmful oral health conditions that can cause permanent damage to your smile and overall wellbeing. Using digital X-rays, special cleaning tools, and the latest technology in the dental world, they can ensure that your mouth stays clean, healthy, and happy. Read on for four reasons to not skip your next semi-annual appointment with your dentist.
Control Plaque and Tartar Accumulation
Every day, your saliva binds to food particles and bacteria in your mouth to form a sticky film called plaque that attaches to your teeth. When it’s not regularly removed, within 12 days, it can harden into tartar, which you won’t be able to remove using a regular toothbrush. This substance will begin to sever the connection between your teeth and gums and form pockets that fill with plaque and bacteria, ultimately causing gum disease.
Your family dentist in Spring Hill uses special tools like the scaler to remove these substances from the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your mouth that you can’t get to at home. With regular cleanings, your dentist will be able to limit harmful oral bacteria buildup and prevent cavities from forming.
Get an Oral Cancer Screening
Many patients aren’t aware that their dentist performs an oral cancer screening each time they go in for a checkup and cleaning. It only takes a few minutes but could potentially save your life. They’ll examine your oral tissues, lips, and neck in search of abnormalities such as lumps or red and white patches.
Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease that progresses quickly, which is why your dentist conducts routine screenings to spot the issue before it has a chance to spread, increasing the likelihood of being able to successfully treat it.
Know How Bad Oral Habits Impact Your Mouth
Bad oral habits such as smoking can have a severe impact on your oral and overall wellbeing. Not only do cigarettes discolor your teeth, but tobacco use also increases the chances of developing oral cancer as well as gum disease. If you regularly participate in this habit, it’s important to be informed about how it’s impacting your health, which can be a huge motivational factor to encourage you to quit.
Find Hidden Problems With X-Rays
Your dentist uses digital X-rays to be able to examine all the parts of your mouth that are hidden to the naked eye. By capturing these images, they’re able to diagnose serious problems that may not be noticed otherwise, including bone decay, swelling, cysts, impacted teeth, or even tumors.
Next time you’re considering not scheduling your routine checkup and cleaning with your family dentist, consider how much you’ll be putting at stake. A simple hour-long appointment could be the difference between a healthy smile or the progression of a deadly disease.
About the Author
Dr. Allyson Kelly is passionate about keeping her patients’ oral health on track. That’s why she focuses on excellent preventive dental care, which allows her to tackle issues while they’re small to keep them from progressing. She also strives to create a comfortable, relaxed, and friendly environment, which is why she completed advanced training to become certified in oral sedation. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning, visit Family Dental Associates’ website or call 615-302-1414.