Skipping out on a short dental visit isn’t that big of a deal, right? After all, your schedule is busy, and your smile is fine. You aren’t feeling any pain. How could this cause any issues? The truth is that putting off a dental visit can cause more problems in the future than you may think. Even if you aren’t in any discomfort, there are still many negative consequences of missing your regular dental visit. Your dentist in San Marcos shares what those are.
Tooth Decay
Did you know that cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease out there? Fortunately, it is highly preventable. However, even if you are the most diligent brusher in the world, you are still going to miss some hard to reach places. This is where plaque can build up and lead to tooth decay in the future. With the help of your regular dental cleaning, you can have this removed before it causes an issue. If you already have cavities, your dentist can catch them early and fill them before they become a more serious problem late on.
Periodontal Disease
Your teeth rely on healthy gum tissue in order to be strong and healthy, but they are often neglected. In fact, approximately half of adults over the age of 30 have some level of periodontal disease. When it progresses to its later stages, it can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss entirely. Just like tooth decay, gum disease is high preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Your dentist is trained to catch early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.
Other Health Issues
While you are at the dental office, your dentist will check for other abnormalities in the body by examining your tongue, throat, face, and neck. This can be the first indication of something serious happening elsewhere in the body. When you aren’t seeing your dentist regularly, it can take much longer to detect issues like hypertension, kidney failure, heart disease, oral cancer, and diabetes. Going to the dentist can save your life!
Discoloration
Your professional cleaning is usually concluded by your hygienist polishing your teeth in order to remove surface stains. This can reduce discoloration caused by tobacco, drinking pigmented beverages, and aging. When you have this done regularly, stains aren’t as likely to accumulate at a fast rate so you will be less likely to pay much more for cosmetic treatment in the future.
Even though skipping your appointment doesn’t seem like a big deal, it can take a toll on both your health and your wallet. Remember that regular visits are essential for optimal oral health.
About the Author
Dr. J. Robert Donnelly earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has attained status as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a member of numerous organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Donnelly, visit his website or call (512) 396-5225.