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You brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, too. You eat a fairly healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and always have a clean bill of health at the dentist. So, if your teeth look clean and feel clean most of the time, do you really need to see your dentist twice a year? After all, no news is good news, right? Unfortunately, that’s where you could be wrong, and when it comes to your health, being wrong can be very dangerous. Here’s why even if your smile looks fantastic, you should still be sure to attend your biannual dental exam and cleaning appointments regularly.
An Ounce of Prevention
Sometimes it’s easy to tell when something is wrong with your teeth. Whether it’s sudden sensitivity, a toothache, or visible damage, you can instantly tell when it’s time to see the dentist. But often you may not realize there’s anything wrong at all. Small cavities may not be visible without the help of an X-ray, and some may be located on the back of a tooth or between teeth where you can’t see them. In fact, sometimes even a tooth infection is completely painless. Thus, visiting your dentist regularly can help spot these problems before they get worse, and correct them before they cost you more money or the tooth itself!
Say Goodbye to Gum Disease
Gum disease is another very common oral health condition that many people don’t realize they have, but the truth is that an estimated 90 percent of adults worldwide have some stage of it, and believe it or not, it’s both reversible and preventable. If left untreated, gum disease can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, tooth loss, and bone loss. It can even worsen illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Regular dental check-ups can help keep you on top of your gum health. If your dentist sees early stages of gingivitis, you can easily prevent it from turning into periodontal disease, and if you do already have it, your dentist may be able to treat it before it results in missing teeth.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer strikes 54,000 people annually, and it can be deadly if not caught early enough. While it may be difficult to notice signs of this illness in your own mouth, your dentist will screen you for oral cancer at each preventive appointment. Thus, going to the dentist could literally save your life!
A Clean, Healthy Smile
Ultimately, your biannual exam and cleaning was designed to keep your smile looking clean and healthy but neglecting these appointments could leave it dingy and discolored, not to mention put you at a higher risk for a variety of illnesses and oral health problems. To prevent this and keep your eye out for any other problems lurking in your mouth, never skip your biannual exam and cleaning, and you’ll be on your way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!
About Dr. Salivonchik
Dr. S. John Salivonchik strongly believes in the importance of continuing his oral health education, not just to stay on top of his own skills, but to provide the most current, thorough care for his patients. Dr. Salivonchik regularly attends advanced training courses throughout the United States, such as the Branemark Implant Restorative Curriculum, the Nobel Biocare Computer-Based Guided Implant Surgery Curriculum, and the World Clinical Laser Institute for Soft Tissue Surgical and Periodontal Applications.
He is a current member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry just to name a few. If you’d like to schedule your biannual exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us today at 610-502-1545.
