Dental Checkups: Are They Needed?
When you realize that your schedule is full but it's about time for a dental checkup, you might considering canceling. However, preventative dental care is vital, so skipping your appointment could affect your oral health negatively.
Cavities
Not all cavities inside people's mouths hurt. It's entirely possible that several cavities are already present, but without checkups you might only discover them when they're large, infected and painful. Instead, try getting to checkups so x-rays reveal the truth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease isn't at all uncomfortable when it begins. However, if red gums or other symptoms have already begun without your notice, your dentist will let you know during a checkup. Your visits could ensure that even if you do have symptoms, they're addressed.
Dry Mouth
Daily medication can affect dental health. For example, dry mouth is a side effect warranting attention. Medicine is a leading reason for an overly dry mouth, so if you need the medications, you may need the mouthwashes and other ideas your dentist can suggest. After all, overly dry mouth conditions could be easier for bacteria to settle in; you could be susceptible to more cavities.
Bruxism
Bruxism (teeth grinding) isn't something many people will ever have. If you never awake to your teeth grinding and gnashing against each other, it's possible bruxism isn't a problem. However, when your teeth hurt from being active all evening, assistance is key. At a checkup, you'll get ideas for easing the pressure on your teeth enamel, including bite guards. Enamel can even wear down from vigorous bruxism, so checkups are important for catching it.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) doesn't always bother people until the pain is constantly irritating. This disorder is usually characterized by a gnawing, dull ache in the lower or upper jaw. Without checkups, you might imagine soreness to be inconsequential--but your dentist can explain the ramifications of this disorder and prescribe treatments like bite guards or surgery.
Cosmetic Adjustments
Do you, as a regular coffee drinker, notice yellowing teeth? Whitening strips may brighten your smile for some time, but dental offices can often be the best places for longer, better teeth whitening. Your particular dentist can notify you about the best schedule for such treatments.
Veneers and similar cosmetic adjustments are also available; serious discussions about what it means to go through with those processes are best had during checkups.
After understanding these dental details, checkups are something you'll realize are important. Arranging and keeping these visits will protect your mouth, gums and teeth.