It’s possible that visiting the dentist every six months is excessive. In six months, could anything alter? Many adults may avoid visiting the doctor every six months for varied purposes, including anxiety, shame, ignorance, and difficulty. Visiting your dentist every six months may be inconvenient; consider what will happen to your teeth if you don’t. The responses are unappealing.
The Good
It’s okay to miss a single appointment as long as you reschedule soon afterward. Rescheduling should never cause worry as your dentist is willing to work with you.
Are dental visits necessary?
Dental appointments are essential as they let your dentist provide a thorough examination and cleaning. At a routine dental appointment, your dentist can identify cavities promptly or other oral health issues. At times catching an oral health issue early on will cost much less. Oral health treatments can also be implemented right away, saving your sanity.
How frequently should you visit the dentist?
The general principle is that you should see your dentist every six months. According to research, persons with no difficulties should see their dentist once a year. In contrast, those with dental problems should see their dentist every 3 to 4 months. Every individual case is different; therefore, ask the dentist to recommend the correct amount of visits for your particular circumstance.
The Bad
Missing dental appointments regularly can result in the following:
- Tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration changes the teeth’ color, tint, or transparency. The collection of spots on the surface of the tooth is known as external discoloration. The interior discoloration is caused by pigment particles absorbed into the tooth structure. Discoloration can be caused by several distinct influences present at the same time.
- Tartar and plaque build-up
Plaque can solidify on your tooth and turn into calculus, also known as tartar, if it isn’t eliminated. An accumulation of plaque and tartar can result in painful and inflamed gums, which is a sign of periodontal disease.
- Tooth loss
One or more teeth become weak and fall out, resulting in loss of teeth. When adult teeth substitute a human’s deciduous teeth, tooth loss is natural. However, immediate treatment is required when tooth loss is unwelcome and caused by trauma or disease, such as dental avulsion, tooth root, or gum disease.
- Tooth decay
Destruction of a tooth’s surface, or enamel, is known as tooth decay. It occurs when harmful bacteria produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s surface. Cavities are gaps in your teeth caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, dental decay can lead to discomfort, infections, and even loss of teeth.
- Cavities
A cavity is a gap that forms in a tooth due to dental decay. Cavities arise when the hard external coating of a tooth is worn down or eroded by chemicals in the mouth (enamel). Cavities can affect everyone. Cavities can be avoided with a professional dental cleaning and routine at-home oral hygiene care.
- Gum disease
Gum disease is no joke. The gum infection can damage the soft tissue and potentially wreak havoc on the bone structure.
A thick film of bacteria, also known as plaque, accumulates on teeth and gums. Plaque is the most frequent cause of gum disease. It is kept at bay with daily teeth cleaning, brushing, and rinsing. More importantly, your dentist will be able to implement various cleaning methods to remove, treat and prevent build-up.
The Ugly
Many individuals do not realize that the oral cavity is related to the internal components of our body. Skipping a checkup could mean ignoring indicators of more severe health problems. The following health issues could be a result of poor oral health.
- Respiratory infections
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) include diseases of the sinus, neck, airways, or lungs, which are all essential for respiration. Most RTIs improve without therapy; however, you may have to see a doctor in other cases.
- Heart disease
The terms “heart disease” and “cardiac disease” are interchangeable. However, cardiovascular disease refers to any heart or blood arteries ailment.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose, often known as blood sugar, is exceptionally high.
- Osteoporosis
People with low calcium absorption are more prone to developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a result of inadequate calcium throughout your life.
- Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disorder in which the kidney cells become cancerous and grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. Almost all kidney malignancies begin in the kidney’s small tubes lining.
- Oral cancer
Cancer starts in the mouth and spreads to other parts of the body. Tobacco use, high consumption of alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are all significant risk factors.
Visiting the dentist every six months may seem inconvenient at first; however, it will benefit your overall health and save you money long term. It’s not too late to get back on the right track to better oral care. Schedule your dental cleaning today!