Why Routine Dentist Visits Are Good for You

Do dentists get a bad rap?

Dentists are so very misunderstood. And many people are so leery of going to the dentist, they wait until the pain from untreated dental issues becomes more terrifying than their phobia of the dentist. The irony is that if you keep your routine dental appointments and maintain good oral habits, you are unlikely to ever need a scary dental procedure performed.

Still need more convincing?

Find out what happens during a routine checkup and discover the benefits of having regular dental checkups.

How dentists perform routine checkups

1. First, the dentist will examine the head, neck, lower jaw joints and the lymph nodes for swelling.
2. Next, the dentist will check for gum disease and evaluate the overall health of the patient's gums. The dentist will go on to examine the other soft tissues in the mouth.
3. The dentist will check the teeth for signs of injury and decay. They will also check the patient's dental restorations to see if they are in good shape. If the patient has dentures or orthodontic appliances, the dentist will take a close look at them and make sure they still fit properly.
4. Finally, the dentist will check for signs of malocclusion or teeth grinding.

While performing the exam, the dentist will be on the lookout for signs that may indicate the patient has diabetes, poor nutrition or oral cancer. The benefits of having such a thorough examination include:

1. Prevention or early detection of plaque, tartar and cavities

A second set of eyes is the best way of knowing if a person is cleaning their mouth properly. If the patient misses a spot, the dentist will let them know. The plaque that forms in the neglected spot will be removed and the dentist will give the patient helpful tips for cleaning those hard to reach places.

A person who gets regular checkups rarely has cavities. But if a cavity does develop, it will be detected in its early stages.

2. Early detection saves time, money and prevents intensive dental procedures

A dental problem that is discovered early is easy to fix. It does not require drastic treatments like tooth extractions, root canals or gum surgery. Mild gum disease only requires cleaning and oral medication. If detected early, a damaged tooth only requires minimal dental restoration.

Treatment of the early stages of most dental issues is generally cheap, quick and painless.

3. Regular checkups help to identify and correct bad oral habits

Bad habits like smoking or drinking are widely known to cause dental problems. But many people are unaware that seemingly harmless habits like clenching the jaw, chewing ice chips and brushing the teeth too hard are just as bad for teeth.

Routine checkups allow the dentist to detect a patient's bad habits. The dentist can then guide the patient toward better behavior. In the long term, the patient's change in behavior will prevent a host of oral issues and the bills that come with them.

4. Early detection of health issues

Lymph node disorders, poor nutrition, diabetes, cancer of the mouth and blood disorders can be detected during a dental exam. Early detection of such serious problems means a good prognosis. Conditions that are caught early are easier and cheaper to treat, and the chances of a full recovery are much higher.

When was your last dental appointment?

If you want to make sure that your dentist never comes at you with a drill, all you have to do is keep in touch. Then your dentist visits will be quick and pain-free. Talk to one of our dental health professionals today.

Go to https://jacksonheightdental.com to find a good dentist near you or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883.