Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning? Regular visits allow them to monitor your condition so they can catch and address any areas of concern before they progress into more serious issues.
Despite this, only an estimated 65% of American adults have had a routine appointment in the past year. Continue reading to learn 3 potential consequences of skipping dental cleanings that just might motivate you to schedule your next visit!
Concern #1: Periodontal Problems
Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their dental health and assume everything is fine if they don’t see cavities. However, your gums are just as important to your oral and overall well-being. For example, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Not only that, but it goes unaddressed, it can progress and enter your bloodstream, and contribute to medical conditions like diabetes or heart problems.
Although this condition can be prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily, it’s easy to miss the early signs at home because there aren’t always visible symptoms until the disease progresses. Thankfully, your dentist knows what to look for and can halt the infection in its tracks.
Concern #2: Oral Cancer
Would you be surprised to learn that your provider screens the soft tissues of your mouth for oral cancer as a standard part of routine visits? Although rare, cancers of the mouth act quickly and can be potentially fatal. An estimated 59,660 cases are confirmed in the United States annually, and more than 12,000 deaths are expected each year. This represents about 2.1% of all cancer deaths in the country.
Including a cancer screening as a regular part of preventive care ensures that your dentist can catch the condition early enough to treat it and improve your prognosis. The five-year survival rate is much higher when diagnosed in its early localized stages before spreading to other areas of your body.
Concern #3: Dental Emergencies
You might not think of regular dental appointments as defensive dental care, but regularly maintaining your smile helps you avoid emergencies. Although some issues are due to circumstances beyond your control, many urgent scenarios can be avoided by strengthening your teeth and gums so they’re more resistant to damage, disease, or decay.
Your dental team will provide a professional cleaning to remove even the most stubborn deposits of plaque and tartar to clean your enamel and connective tissues. Then, they can provide fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and reduce the likelihood of experiencing a sudden or unexpected issue.
As you can see, visiting your dentist for standard services is a simple and effective way to improve your oral health!
About the Practice
At Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists eager to help you build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. With decades of combined experience, our providers collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of treatments to people of all ages conveniently under one roof. They prioritize patient comfort and offer spa-like amenities, so whether you need a routine checkup or a more complex procedure, you’re sure to feel comfortable. Then, they combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology for accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (702) 844-6224.