Our teeth are essential to our quality of life because they allow us to break down food for easier consumption. Conversely, our teeth also enable us to articulate speech sounds better. For this reason, we are encouraged to take good care of our teeth. While regular brushing and flossing can do the trick, they are sometimes insufficient because there are certain things only dentists can do.
Regular visits to the dentist are a part of good oral hygiene and are essential for maintaining healthy teeth. During these visits, the dentist can detect any issues with our teeth and gums, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. The dentist can also clean our teeth, fill cavities, and perform other necessary procedures to ensure our teeth remain healthy. Despite this, many do not consider doing them because they think it is unnecessary or makes no difference, which is never the case.
If you do not see the value of regular dentist visits, here are some reasons why you should:
#1 – Early Detection of Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and regular dental visits can help detect them in their early stages. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, the decay can spread further and cause more damage to the teeth. This is why early detection is critical.
The dentist will use special tools to check for cavities during a dentist visit. If any cavities are found, the dentist can treat them before they become more serious. This is done by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and then filling it with a special material. This prevents further damage and can help save the tooth.
#2 – Monitor Ongoing Dental Restorations
Just because you got a dental procedure done does not mean your work is done. It is vital to monitor ongoing dental restorations to ensure they function correctly. Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to monitor and maintain your oral health.
Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your restoration, such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants. They can check to ensure the restoration is done correctly and for any signs of wear or damage. They can take corrective action to prevent further damage if any problems are found.
#3 – X-Ray Evaluations
There are times when regular dental procedures cannot adequately assess the condition of your oral health. In these cases, a dentist may use x-ray evaluations to get a better look at your teeth and gums. X-ray evaluations are essential to ongoing dental care and can help detect potential problems or changes in oral health.
X-rays detect cavities, bone loss, periodontal disease, impacted teeth, and abscesses. Conversely, they can also monitor the progress of restorative dental work, such as crowns and bridges.
#4 – Scheduling Necessary Procedures
The only way to see if procedures must be done is to visit the dentist. Scheduling regular dental visits help to ensure that your mouth is healthy and that any necessary procedures can be completed promptly.
The dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue at a routine dental visit. Additional tests may be recommended if the dentist finds any areas of concern. Depending on the results of the tests, the dentist may recommend treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, or dental implants.
#5 – Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancers are one of the most common forms of cancer, and early detection is critical to successful treatment. To help detect oral cancer, dentists perform an oral cancer screening as part of a routine dental exam.
During an oral cancer screening, the dentist will examine the inside of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat. They will check for any sores, lumps, or discoloration and feel the neck and jaw for any lumps or swelling. The dentist may use a special light to look for signs of abnormal tissue and take a biopsy of any suspicious areas.
Conclusion
Regular visits to the dentist are vital for maintaining oral health, so you must never pass on them. While they may take some time, it will be worth it because you can prevent potentially life-threatening conditions. This way, you can ensure your mouth is healthy and disease-free.
If you are looking for dental exams in Alexandria, Galleria Dental can help you! You must focus on your oral health, so our comprehensive dental tests will ensure you will get an accurate result along with possible treatment options if needed. Call us today at 703-212-7070 to schedule an appointment!