08 Nov Do I Really Need A Dental Check-up Every Six Months?
Dental health plays a very large role in overall good health. And we rely on our teeth to perform many functions that we don’t give conscious thought to on a daily basis. Two visits a year with the family dentist takes about one hour each time … are we really so busy that we would risk such an important part of our day to day existence?
The possible consequences for ignoring those dental visits include:
Plaque Build-up – When food and beverages (not including water) are consumed, the bacteria already living on teeth attract the sugars and starches forming a sticky substance. Over a period of mere hours this bacteria based substance hardens becoming plaque. With each meal, snack, or beverage plaque can continue to grow; once it has formed the only way to remove it is with a dental office cleaning.
If not removed, dental decay and gum disease become possibilities. A cavity is not the end of the world, but if not caught early it can grow. If bacteria are allowed to permeate the inner tooth, infection could follow. You could be looking at a root canal or tooth extraction.
Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding, red, or swollen gum tissue; chronic bad breath; one or more teeth appear to be pulling away from gums; discomfort … the first stage of gum disease is gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue). Left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to periodontitis. At this point your family dentist may refer you to a specialist to resolve a condition that could lead to tooth loss if ignored.
Our teeth function daily as a means to chew our food, speak clearly, and smile with self-confidence. Words are formed by using the tongue, palate, and teeth … with tooth loss, this may be affected. And imagine having to sacrifice the foods you love due to the inability to chew!
Brushing with a fluoridated tooth paste and flossing daily are not enough … that final step of seeing your family dentist for a thorough cleaning to remove plaque build-up and an exam may allow you to keep your teeth working for you for a lifetime.
If it’s time to schedule your next visit, contact our team at Friendly Dental Care today.