Did you know only 64% of adults have visited their dentist in the past year? If you recently skipped an appointment, you could compromise your oral health. It’s no wonder that 25.9% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities.
On the fence about visiting your dentist in Nicholasville twice a year? Read on to discover why routine appointments are essential for good oral health!
Early Cavity Detection
Cavities (tooth decay) are holes that form within your teeth. Regular dental appointments ensure early cavity detection. You can begin treatment before the hole expands and causes complications.
Complications can include:
- Ongoing tooth pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Pus around the infected tooth
- Chipping or breaking the tooth
- A tooth abscess
A tooth abscess can become an infection. It could cause life-threatening complications.
For example, the infection could enter your bloodstream. When left untreated, your mortality rate could increase to 40%. You could develop mediastinitis from the infection.
A cavity can form when plaque lingers on and between your teeth. Plaque is a tacky substance that binds to the teeth. It’s a combination of food particles, acid, saliva, and bacteria.
Over time, plaque can harden into tartar and produce acid. The acid can erode your protective tooth enamel. Without enamel, your risk of tooth decay increases.
Before that happens, schedule routine appointments at your Nicholasville dentist’s office. They’ll complete a visual examination of your teeth. They’ll determine if your enamel has started to erode.
Treatment for tooth decay depends on the situation’s severity. Your dentist may use a drill to remove the decay from your tooth. They can fill the tooth with composite resin.
If the decay is more severe, you may need a custom-fitted cap (crown). The crown will sit atop your existing tooth.
When left untreated, tooth decay can kill your nerves. Your dentist may need to perform a root canal to save your tooth. They’ll apply medication to the tooth’s roots before fitting you with a crown.
If they detect tooth decay at its earliest stage, your dentist will recommend fluoride treatment. They can restore your tooth enamel before further decay occurs.
Avoid Gum Disease
Neglecting to prioritize your oral health will give plaque and tartar the chance to develop. Bacteria will reign free within your mouth. Your risk of gum disease could increase.
Gum disease, or gingivitis, causes:
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitivity
- Unrelenting bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Tender gums
- Pain when chewing
If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. They can treat your gingivitis before there are complications.
When left unchecked, your gums will begin to separate from your teeth. You may lose teeth and require more extensive treatment.
Otherwise, periodontal disease can increase your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
When gingivitis is at its beginning stages, your dentist can treat it with a deep cleaning. They may prescribe antibiotic medications.
Deep cleaning your teeth can involve scaling, root planing, and lasers. Scaling involves removing tartar from above and below the gum line. Planing involves removing plaque from the root surface.
Some dentists use lasers to perform these procedures. They can remove tartar while causing less pain and bleeding.
You can avoid these expensive treatments by visiting your dentist regularly. In the meantime, brush twice a day and floss daily.
Minimize Bad Breath
Do you notice you have rancid breath, even after you’ve brushed your teeth? This could indicate that bacteria has spread within your mouth. Bad breath is also a sign of gingivitis.
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Otherwise, bacteria will continue invading your mouth.
You can also develop bad breath due to dry mouth, head and neck cancer, or GERD. Your dentist will treat your bad breath by determining the root cause of the issue.
Screen for Cancer
Visiting your dentist twice a year can help you detect early signs of oral cancer. Symptoms can include:
- Changes to your bite
- A change in your voice
- Sore throat
- Soreness in the back of the throat
- White, red, or speckled patches
- Swelling, bumps, or lumps
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Weight loss
- Ear pain
- Bleeding in the mouth
If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. They’ll ensure you begin immediate treatment.
Bright, Perfect Teeth
Do you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile? Talk to your Nicholasville dentist. They can make recommendations based on your concerns and goals.
For example, perhaps your teeth appear dull or discolored. Smoking, coffee, and wine can cause staining. Your dentist may recommend professional teeth whitening.
Otherwise, the staining could get worse. Bacteria will continue to spread, compromising your oral health. Teeth whitening will brighten your smile and reduce the bacteria on your teeth.
Your dentist can also repair chipped teeth or gaps between your teeth. Their services can improve the appearance of your smile. Maintaining stunning, perfect teeth can make it easier to brush and floss.
Otherwise, food particles and bacteria will have more places to hide. You may struggle to brush hard-to-reach areas if your teeth are crooked.
Cosmetic dentistry can benefit your oral health. You could avoid needing certain dental services in the future.
Recognize Mistakes
Visiting your dentist twice a year allows you to recognize your mistakes. For example, perhaps you’re brushing using too much pressure. This could cause your gums to bleed.
Your dentist can recognize the mistakes you’re making. They’ll offer customized recommendations to benefit your oral health. With their help, you can improve your at-home care between appointments.
Their services now could help you save time and money later.
Visit Your Dentist in Nicholasville Today
Don’t compromise your oral health. Instead, schedule visits with your dentist in Nicholasville twice a year. Routine appointments can improve your oral health and overall health.
Our team at Grey Oak Dental offers comprehensive care and personalized treatments. We can address your unique needs to help you maintain a healthy smile. Contact us today for the highest quality of care!
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