For some people, going to the dentist can be scary. Though not uncommon, this fear can make it difficult for you to get even routine dental care that can protect your teeth and gums from a variety of dangerous oral health conditions. Whether you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, a busy schedule, or simply because you don’t think it’s that important, here are some excellent reasons to attend your regular, preventive exam and cleaning appointments and what can happen if you don’t!
Prevention is the Best Medicine
While it’s usually pretty obvious that you have a toothache, sometimes your teeth look and feel fine on the outside but are hiding dangerous problems you can’t see with the naked eye. In fact, even tooth infections can sometimes come as a surprise because they can be totally painless. Visiting your dentist regularly helps ensure that your teeth are healthy and that there are no hidden issues lurking below the surface wreaking havoc on your mouth!
Putting Gum Disease in Reverse
Gum disease is one of those preventable illnesses that if caught early enough is also completely reversible. But in order to catch it, you may need your dentist’s help. If left untreated, it can easily worsen, causing bad breath and inflammation and eventually could result in lost teeth and portions of your jawbone.
Regular dental check-ups can help keep you apprised of the condition of your gums, and act as an important warning sign to brush and floss more frequently before a minor case of gingivitis becomes periodontitis.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Unfortunately, despite affecting 54,000 people each year, oral cancer can be very difficult to detect on your own. The good news is that screening for this condition is a routine part of your preventive dental exam, and when you visit your dentist regularly, you’ll automatically be checked. This greatly improves your odds of survival and can help catch any abnormalities before they get worse.
Making Smiles Bright
Your dentist wants you to have a bright, healthy smile, which is why a heavy emphasis is placed on preventive care. Unfortunately, however, skipping your regular dental appointments can make this a lot harder to achieve. Without regular check-ups, your dentist can’t screen you for painful and even life-threatening oral health conditions, and your dental team can’t make sure your teeth look their best.
Remember, regular preventive dental check-ups and cleanings are an important step in any oral hygiene routine. If you are scared of the dentist, speak to them about your sedation dentistry options, and if you’re just busy, take some time to care for yourself and your smile. After all, self-care isn’t selfish, and you can’t have a healthy smile if you don’t take care of it!
About Dr. Puneet Sandhu
Dr. Puneet Sandhu, DDS is the owner and lead dentist at Complete Dental Care Paradise Valley in Phoenix, AZ. A graduate of the University of Arizona where he completed his degree in physiology with a minor in chemistry in just three years, he went on to earn his dental degree from UCLA. Dr. Sandhu is a faculty member of Spear Education, the world’s largest dental education organization, and holds a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association as well as memberships with the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Known for his warm, easy-going approach and his belief that patients are true partners in their own care, his clinical focus is full mouth reconstruction and comprehensive restorative dentistry. Outside the office, Dr. Sandhu enjoys Cardinals and Giants football and spending time with his family.
To schedule an exam and cleaning at Complete Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 480-526-4317.