One of the surest ways to enhance and maintain your oral health is by visiting your dentist for preventive care. Does that seem like a useless task to you? Are you just too busy? If so, your dentist in Dublin says you may want to reconsider because these appointments are essential for protecting you from a host of oral problems. Learn why these visits are so important as you read on.
What is Preventive Care?
Preventive care visits are your way of saying ‘no’ to unwanted oral health issues and ‘yes’ to dental wellness. Usually scheduled six months apart, they provide you with three key benefits:
- The Cleaning – The first person you’ll meet will be your dental hygienist, who will provide you with a thorough cleaning. This will clear away stubborn plaque and tartar that can’t be addressed with normal oral hygiene.
- The Checkup – Along with the cleaning, you’ll also receive a tedious examination from the expert eyes of both the dental assistant and the dentist. Thus, any developing oral issues like cavities, gum disease, oral cancer or jaw misalignment will be identified, and the necessary course of action will be discussed with you.
- Communication – Just as valuable as the previously mentioned two activities is the time you’ll have to talk to both your hygienist and dentist. This will be your opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice.
Before You Skip Visits, Read This
Skipping visits is a big ‘no-no’ and leaves you vulnerable to a host of problems such as:
- Cavities – The primary nemeses of your oral health are bacteria. They are always present in your mouth and when you eat or drink, they cling to any leftover particles. If not removed, the destructive bacteria release acids that bore into your teeth and cause cavities – small holes – to develop.
- Gum Disease – Untreated cavities don’t stop their destructive path there. They continue to move, if not addressed, and can eventually lead to gum disease, which is the irritation, inflammation and infection of your gums.
- Chronic Bad Breath – As bacteria accumulate in the mouth, they can lead to a condition called dry mouth, where there is less generation of saliva than normal. This creates a breeding ground for more bacteria to grow and can contribute to foul odors.
- Gum Recession – Poor oral hygiene and negligence can also lead to gum recession. This happens when bacteria infiltrate the soft tissue and cause a contraction or pulling away from the roots of the teeth. As a result, the digits are more susceptible to infection and falling out.
Again, one way to prevent the above problems is to maintain semi-annual visits to your dentist. By taking the initiative to act before problems get out of hand, you’ll enjoy the fruits of excellent oral health for years to come.
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck is a fixture in the Dublin community when it comes to oral health. He manages to stay abreast of the latest changes in the world of dentistry by maintaining membership in several professional organizations. Dr. Buck helps patients maintain the healthy function and appearance of their teeth through preventive care at Distinctive Smiles and can be reached for more information through his website.