Most people rarely have dental checkups on top of their to-do list. According to the CDC, only 64.9% of adults had a dental visit in 2019.
Regular dental checkups are vital to your oral and overall health. In the long run, not skipping dental appointments can save you both money and time. In this detailed guide, Straight Teeth Invisible will show you why dental visits need to be on top of your to-do list.
6 Benefits of Regular Dental Visits
1. Oral Cancer Detection
According to a research study published in 2016, oral cancer has risen in all age groups and all parts of the world. The study notes that Hungary has reported a two-fold rise in both incidence and mortality due to oral cancer. What’s more, the United Kingdom has reported an average 2.7% rise in age-standardized oral cancer incidence since 1989.
Another study published in 2018 notes that the risk of death from oral cancer increases significantly when it is discovered late.
Manifesting itself in numerous ways, the earliest symptoms of oral cancer are extremely difficult to recognize for the regular, untrained person. A dentist, however, has the experience – and professional training – needed to diagnose oral cancer in its early stages.
Most dentists use the Velscope Cancer Exam to detect oral cancer in its early stages. The exam is non-invasive, 100% pain-free, lasts for one or two minutes, and catches invisible signs of dead tissue that may be a result of tumors.
2. Professional Cleaning
Even the most diligent daily flossers and brushers often miss small areas in their mouth. When plaque builds up in the missed regions, it solidifies and turns into tartar.
Regular dental checkups allow you to take advantage of professional cleaning. Professional cleanings keep the tartar from eroding your teeth and creating cavities.
It is worth noting that teeth cavities rarely give any warnings during their formation stage. They only result in aches once the tooth decays.
The moment damage is done, you will have to make a dental appointment to get the teeth filled and fixed. A professional cleaning appointment is more affordable than getting a filling.
3. Understand Cosmetic Procedures
If you have crooked – or misaligned – teeth, there is a chance that you’ve wondered whether you are eligible for cosmetic dentistry. If your teeth have yellowed over time, you may also want to know some of the best ways to whiten your teeth.
Regular dental visits offer ideal opportunities to discuss orthodontic treatments. Your dentist will help you better understand teeth straightening, treatment for yellowing teeth, and other types of cosmetic procedures.
4. Prevent Gum Disease
The build-up of tartar and plaque does not just cause tooth decay – it can also cause gum disease. When the tartar builds up in the location where the tooth is connected to the gum, it can make the gum pull away – this infection is known as gingivitis.
If not treated, gingivitis grows into periodontal disease. Regular dental checkups are essential in catching and addressing gum disease before it gets out of hand.
A research study focusing on the United States’ population determined that more than 50% of adults had gingivitis on an average of three to four teeth. The study noted that adult periodontitis was found in 30% of the US population.
5. Benefit from Dental X-Rays
One of the crucial parts of visiting the dentist is getting the jaw bone and teeth x-rayed. The X-ray images allow the dentist to see what’s happening under the surface. It helps the dentist discover issues that may be invisible to the naked eye.
X-rays can help the dentist discover impacted wisdom teeth. Damage to the jawbone, bone decay, tumors, cysts, and swellings may also require an x-ray to pinpoint. Finding these issues early enough is critical as it increases the chances of successful treatment.
6. Detect Systemic Health Problems
In addition to checking your tongue, teeth, and gum, your dentist will also check the neck and lymph nodes for lumps, swelling, and other abnormalities.
Swellings and lumps on the neck could indicate enlarged lymph nodes – these can be caused by malignancy (cancer), viral and/or bacterial infections, and other rare causes. If the dentist discovers any abnormalities, he/she will alert you and refer you to an appropriate medical professional.
Improve Your Smile: Add a FREE E-Consult with Straight Teeth Invisible to Your To-Do List
At this point, you know why regular dental checkups are important. What you might not know is why you should visit an orthodontist.
A better smile is the key to a better social life. A research study published in 2019 notes that smiles are vital social cues that cause positive feelings in receivers – this can lead to the creation of new friendships and better relationships.
People who are not confident in their smiles – mostly because of misaligned teeth – rarely smile. What’s more, these people may avoid social situations. Luckily for people who are insecure about their smiles, Straight Teeth Invisible can help.
Home to professional and experienced orthodontists, Straight Teeth Invisible uses transparent teeth aligners to straighten – and align – crooked teeth. Paying special attention to each patient, Straight Teeth Invisible restores 100% smile confidence by the end of the orthodontic treatment.
Can’t figure out whether to use dental braces or invisible teeth aligners? Straight Teeth Invisible is here to help. All you have to do is book a FREE e-consultation today. Our team of professional orthodontists will help you choose an option that offers maximum benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I expect during my dental checkup?
A regular dental checkup combines a range of activities, all of which are carefully designed to improve your oral and overall health. These activities include:
Professional teeth cleaning.
Checking for gum disease and cavities.
Evaluating your risk of developing oral problems in the future.
Checking the neck for abnormalities.
Radiographs (X-rays) and other oral diagnostic procedures.
A dental hygiene discussion.
Demonstration of proper flossing and/or brushing techniques.
Do professional teeth cleanings hurt?
Normally scheduled professional cleaning does not cause pain. However, you should note that there can be complicating factors.
Tooth decay and gum inflammation, for example, may lead to increased sensitivity on your teeth and gum. In cases where oral diseases cause increased sensitivity, you can always request your doctor to use a form of anesthetic to keep pain at bay.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Most regular dental checkups should be uneventful, and, therefore, short. The regular dental checkup takes an hour. However, if you are going to see a specialist – say, an orthodontist – the number drops to about 45 minutes.
It is, however, worth noting that dentists are different and patients will have varying needs. Therefore, your appointment may be longer or shorter. Your dentist, however, should give you a better estimation of the time needed to complete your checkup.
How often should I see my dentist?
According to the basic rule of thumb, you should have a dental checkup every 6 months. However, people without any dental problems may be okay visiting their dentist once per year. People with dental health issues, however, may need to see their dentist every 3 to 4 months.
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