Many of us avoid going to dentist for regular check-ups or rather some of us has never been to dentist before. Reasons could be many, be it fear or lack of awareness or thinking that their teeth don’t have any problem or financial constraints. Whatever is the reason, visiting your dentist TWICE A YEAR should be on your appointment diary.
Here are top 5 reasons why regular dental checkups are absolute must.
- PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE:
- During your regular check-ups your dentist will be able to check for conditions in the mouth that may put you at risk of developing any tooth decay, gum disease, etc.
- Even with two time regular brushing and flossing, calculus or tartar gets deposited on tooth surface, (especially in areas where brush bristles are not able to reach) which is precursor for most of the dental problems. Hence professional cleaning and polishing is the only way to remove these mineralized tenacious deposits.
- In a caries susceptible mouth, preventive coating or sealants can be applied on tooth surface to prevent any future decay
- Other risk factors like dry mouth, improper position of teeth, faulty or irritating tooth fillings and dentures, partially impacted wisdom tooth, missing teeth, etc. may be identified and corrected.
- AVOIDING DENTAL EMERGENCIES:
- During regular dental check up, dentist can recognize early signs of caries, gum diseases and even oral cancers.
- Therefore, initial signs of cavity can be reversed by remineralization of enamel and fluoride application. If left unnoticed and untreated can lead to advancement of cavity to nerve of tooth requiring RCT ( root canal treatment ) or sometimes tooth structure can be so much damaged that extraction is only the viable option.
- Similarly, in case of gum diseases if noticed early can be treated only with scaling and root planning which can prevent surgeries.
- In cases where tooth removal is done long time back, bone starts to loss due to disuse atrophy, this can be prevented by rehabilitation of the lost tooth with Dental Implant or Denture).
- Also, early diagnosis of oral cancer can prevent its spread and increase the survival rate .
- SAVE TIME: etting a filling or a cleaning will save not only money, but will also ‘cost’ less time. Simple fillings and cleanings usually take under 45 minutes, while a root canal can take as long as 2.5 hours! Also, some surgeries require multiple visits, while preventive care can normally be done in one.
- SAVE MONEY: Regular dental check-ups can help you save money of your dental expenses! Treatments for early stages of oral health problems are simple and less expensive. Treating a dental problem in its advanced stage will require complicated procedures and will cost you more too. A simple filling or scaling will any day cost you much lesser than a root canal treatment or surgery.
- SAVE YOUR LIFE: During your routine dental check-up, your dentist is not just concerned about saving your teeth. He/she may look for important clues from your mouth about your overall health like nutritional deficiencies, stress, measles, eating disorder, etc. Certain signs and symptoms in the mouth could help detect conditions elsewhere in the body. Cancers that may be recognized include skin cancer, cancer of the jaw bone, thyroid cancer Kaposi’s sarcoma, HPV infection. Even early signs of HIV are mostly found in oral cavity. Moreover, diseases of gums and teeth have been linked to heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, pancreatic cancer, low weight baby and many more.
So, don’t just wait for tooth pain to occur to go to dentist. Avoid making any excuses and set an appointment with Ekdantam Dental Clinic Jaipur soon. As a bright, beautiful and healthy smile can do wonders for your self-esteem.
FAQs
Regular dental visits are essential for several reasons:
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Prevent Dental Issues: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to detect and address potential dental problems before they become more serious. This can help you avoid painful conditions and costly treatments in the future.
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Maintain Oral Health: Dental visits are an integral part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly, removing plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
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Early Detection of Systemic Health Issues: Dental professionals can spot signs of systemic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer during routine dental exams.
The frequency of dental visits can vary depending on your individual oral health needs. However, as a general guideline:
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Twice a Year: Most people should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. This routine helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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More Frequent Visits: Some individuals with specific dental issues or medical conditions may require more frequent visits as recommended by their dentist.
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Less Frequent Visits: If you have excellent oral health and a low risk of dental problems, your dentist may suggest less frequent visits, typically on an annual basis.
During a typical dental visit, you can expect the following:
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Oral Examination: Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums, checking for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.
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Professional Cleaning: A dental hygienist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum problems. They will also polish your teeth for a fresh, clean feeling.
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X-Rays (if needed): Depending on your dental history and specific concerns, your dentist may recommend X-rays to get a more comprehensive view of your oral health.
While dental care costs can vary, regular dental visits are often more affordable than waiting until you have a dental emergency or a severe dental issue. Here’s why:
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Preventive Care is Cost-Effective: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to identify and address issues early, preventing them from escalating into more expensive and invasive treatments.
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Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services like routine check-ups and cleanings, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
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Avoiding Emergency Costs: Neglecting dental care can lead to dental emergencies, which can be both painful and costly. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can avoid these emergencies altogether.
Yes, regular dental visits can positively impact your overall health in several ways:
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Prevent Heart Disease: Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. By maintaining good oral health through regular dental visits, you can reduce this risk.
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Manage Diabetes: For individuals with diabetes, maintaining healthy gums can help with blood sugar control. Dental check-ups are vital in managing the oral health aspect of diabetes.
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Early Detection of Systemic Issues: Dentists can detect signs of systemic health problems during routine exams, potentially leading to early diagnosis and treatment.
Absolutely! Regular dental visits are not just about addressing existing problems; they are also about preventing issues from arising in the first place. Here’s why:
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Preventive Care: Dental professionals can catch dental problems in their early stages, often before you even notice any symptoms. This can save you from more extensive and costly treatments later on.
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Maintain Oral Hygiene: Even if you have excellent oral hygiene habits at home, professional cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing alone.
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Overall Health: Regular dental visits can also help identify systemic health issues, ensuring early detection and treatment.
Yes, children can benefit immensely from regular dental visits. Here’s why it’s crucial to start early:
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Establish Good Habits: Regular visits to the dentist from a young age help children establish good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.
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Prevent Dental Issues: Dentists can monitor the development of a child’s teeth and address issues such as cavities and misalignment early, preventing more extensive treatment later.
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Education: Dental professionals can educate children and parents about proper oral care, diet, and the importance of oral health.
Yes, regular dental visits can help prevent various dental issues, including:
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Cavities: Dentists can identify cavities in their early stages and provide treatments like fillings before they worsen.
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Gum Disease: Routine cleanings and examinations can prevent and manage gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
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Oral Cancer: Dentists are trained to spot early signs of oral cancer during routine exams, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
