Are You Visiting the Dentist Enough?
Thinking about skipping your next standard appointment with your dentist? Haven’t been for a general check-up in over a year? These are common occurrences for many patients because life happens. However, slacking on your oral health can have detrimental effects on your overall health as well. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the dentist at least bi-annually or even make an appointment today!
High Risk & Habits
Patients who are avid smokers are known as a high-risk patients, as tobacco use can lead to oral cancer. When visiting the dentist, don’t feel ashamed if you have yellowed teeth or issues with bad breath. The dentist can offer treatments from simple teeth whitening to necessary cavity fillings to maintain oral health. Patients who smoke should consider seeing your dentist every three to four months for professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings.
Other factors such as pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes can be considered high risk as well. Diabetics may have an issue healing from bacterial infection or may even be suffering from gum disease currently. Let your dentist know if you have diabetes to learn more about how often you should see them during the year.
Stress
Patients who are highly stressed should visit the dentist more frequently. One of the main causes of bruxism or the grinding of teeth is stress. Patients who grind their teeth can wear down dental enamel and cause misaligned bites. Dentist will recommend a mouth guard to wear while they sleep to protect their teeth from the grinding. Patients may require crowns to be applied to back molars if grinding subsides and to restore the enamel structure.
Prone to Cavities or Gum Disease
Many issues regarding cavities or gum disease may lay in your genetics or habitual snacking. It’s important to keep in mind visiting the dentist more often if you have a history of getting fillings. Gum disease starts off with bleeding gums during brushing and flossing. This is the best time to consider a check-up with you dentist as at its most severe gum disease and tooth decay lead to loss of teeth.
Keeping up with your routine visits with the dental office ensure your smile remains healthy for a lifetime. Further, practicing good habits at home will also greatly improve the longevity of your smile’s health. For more information about our dental procedures or to schedule your next dental visit, call our office today.