All dental practitioners will agree that missing your routine check-up appointment is detrimental to your oral health.
A six-month check-up is easy to push to the bottom of your priority list, but have you really considered the effect this is having on your teeth and gums?
Perhaps you have anxiety when it comes to sitting in the dentist’s chair, or you are worried about the financial implications your checkup may have.
At Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice, we are committed to doing whatever we can to help you maintain strong dental health. Here are the reasons why getting regular dental examinations are so important.
1. Oral Problems Go Undetected
Avoiding the dentist means hidden cavities, gum disease and enamel wear may go undetected.
As we get older, our enamel begins to thin, causing our teeth to become sensitive and more susceptible to decay.
Skipping appointments leads to these problems going unnoticed, resulting in more invasive and expensive treatment later.
2. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth and gums.
If not removed, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
When left untreated, gum disease worsens over time, becoming periodontitis. This destroys the bone and tissues supporting the tooth, eventually resulting in loss.
Regular appointments with the dental hygienist help prevent and detect gum disease.
Your dentist will check for inflammation and remove any build-up of plaque in the gumline before it becomes serious.
3. Leads to Undiagnosed Infections and Oral Cancers
The early stages of oral cancers are often painless, meaning dental checkups are vital for immediate detection.
Whilst use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption place you at a higher risk of oral cancer, poor oral hygiene also plays a part.
Oral cancer can cause serious damage to the mouth, teeth, gums, lips and throat.
Regular dental checkups mean unusual ulcers, lumps or thickened areas can be identified and treated early.
4. Causes Bad Breath and Stained Teeth
Regularly visiting your dentist is essential for maintaining fresh breath.
Poor oral hygiene causes an unpleasant odour on your breath, as a buildup of plaque and food debris causes bacteria to grow.
A buildup of tartar causes yellow discolouration in your teeth.
The tartar traps stains from coffee, tobacco and certain foods, making your teeth appear darker or more yellow.
Not only can this kill your confidence, but it also leaves you at risk of enamel erosion.
5. Leads to Wider, Long-Term Health Issues
The connection between your physical and oral health cannot be overlooked.
Bacteria from the mouth can spread into other parts of the body, causing inflammation.
This has been linked to heart diseases, heart attacks and strokes.
Your respiratory health is also at risk, with bacteria moving from your mouth into the lungs, causing conditions like pneumonia.
Therefore, by maintaining good your oral health, you are also protecting the rest of your body.
It is clear how important regular dentist visits are, but why are we so willing to miss them?
Dealing with Anxiety at the Dentist
At Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice, we recognise the anxieties and phobias associated with your dental visit and understand that this can often be the reason behind years of missed appointments.
Our practice aims to deliver a relaxed experience, offering patients a number of comfort options before, during and after treatment.
We are also one of the very few local dental practices specialising in IV sedation. This treatment is 100% safe and popular amongst patients with a serious fear of the dentist.
Financial Worries
Perhaps dental treatments can’t take priority within your living costs.
Those who are:
- Under 18
- Under 19 and in full-time education
- On benefits including income support and income-based jobseekers’ allowance.
- Are pregnant or have been in the last twelve months.
Can receive financial support through the NHS to fund dental appointments.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that prioritising routine dentist appointments is an investment in your overall health, not just your teeth.
Missing your dentist appointment leads to serious oral conditions going unnoticed and undiagnosed, which will only cause more serious problems in the future.
If you are due for a check-up or haven’t been to the dentist in years, contact us to book your next appointment.
