You have been told that it’s important to see your dentist every six months, but what if you aren’t having any symptoms that are bothering you? Is going to your regular dental visits even necessary if you don’t need to have anything fixed? The answer is yes! You should always be going to your dental appointments every six months. Here are some reasons why you should be seeing your dentist in Harrisburg for regular checkups.
Cleaning
When you go in for your regular visit, part of your appointment consists of your dental team thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Even if you are great at practicing oral hygiene and are a very diligent brusher, you are still going to miss hard to reach areas in your mouth. This is where your dentist comes into play. Using their instruments, they are able to remove buildups of plaque and tartar to prevent tooth decay and the onset of gum disease.
Checking for Gum Disease
When plaque and tartar are left along the gum line, this can cause an infection, known as gingivitis, where your gum is attached to the tooth. If left untreated, this can eventually progress to a much more serious gum infection called periodontitis. This can even cause your teeth to loosen and fall out. Your dentist is especially trained to spot early signs of gum disease so that it can be treated before becoming serious.
X-Rays
When you visit the dentist, often times they give you a routine x-ray to check for issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This includes impacted teeth, cysts, decay, swelling, or tumors. Even if you aren’t feeling any abnormal symptoms, it’s crucial to find these issues early on so they can be properly treated.
Oral Cancer Detection
This is an extremely serious disease which can be life threatening. Fortunately, if it is caught early on by your dentist, it is often easily treatable. This makes it much more likely that you will make a full recovery. Your dentist knows exactly what signs and symptoms to look for even if it is things you don’t notice.
Checking for Other Abnormalities
Your dental team doesn’t just check your mouth during your checkup. They also take a look at your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes to ensure that there aren’t other abnormalities that could indicate a serious disease somewhere else in the body. If they find anything that looks out of the ordinary, they will be able to refer you to the correct medical professional.
Just because you aren’t feeling any different than usual doesn’t mean that you are exempt from regular oral healthcare. Seeing your dentist is about more than just keeping your teeth clean. It can save your life!
About the Author
Among other accolades, Dr. Gary M. Klein was recently named as one of the top 40 dentists in the entire country by Incisal Edge Magazine. He earned his DDS degree from the NYU College of Dentistry and has been committed to continuing education to stay updated with the latest dental innovations and technology ever since. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Klein, visit his website or call (717) 652-6644.