Ask a Family Dentist: What Happens If You Never See the Dentist?

Any family dentist will tell you that regular dental visits are important. Some people think that good oral care means only brushing the teeth twice every day and flossing once each day. While these are important practices, you should also schedule dental appointments for professional teeth cleaning and checkups. These visits are vital for the maintenance of healthy gums and teeth.

The importance of going to a family dentist

People can benefit from visiting a family dentist regularly. This is crucial for the maintenance of healthy gums and teeth. It is also important for a person to keep the gums and teeth clean and healthy, in between the examinations. Never seeing a dentist has many negative consequences.

Tooth decay

Plaque is a sticky film that develops on people’s teeth due to organisms that live in the mouth. Plaque on teeth can contribute to tooth decay. Plaque contains bacteria, which after a snack or meal containing sugar end up releasing acids that attack the tooth enamel. Constant attacks can contribute to the enamel breaking down, which eventually results in cavities.

Daily flossing and brushing can help to keep plaque under control. But plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth can harden into tartar or calculus, which makes it harder to keep the teeth clean. People can prevent plaque buildup and keep their teeth cavity-free by visiting a dentist from time to time. During dental checkups, a dentist or dental hygienist can clean the teeth and remove plaque.

Gum disease

If tartar gathers above the gumline, the gum tissue may not only become swollen but may also easily bleed. This is the early stage of gum disease referred to as gingivitis. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround people’s teeth. Some factors that can put people at a higher risk of gingivitis include poor dental care, genetics, smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes, pregnancy, crooked teeth that are difficult to keep clean and particular medications. Fortunately, at this early stage, the disease is reversible.

A trip to the office of the dentist for professional cleaning can help to eliminate the infection. Daily brushing and flossing are also helpful. Gum disease is often painless so people may not know they have it. Taking this into account, it is important to schedule checkups and to also maintain a great dental routine of flossing and brushing.

Health problems

During an appointment, a dentist may detect signs and symptoms of serious medical problems. Diseases that affect the whole body such as diabetes may be noticed by a healthcare practitioner because of gum disease, mouth sores or other oral problems. Catching symptoms early is beneficial because it will help ensure that the problems can be treated before they become worse. If necessary, a dentist may even refer a patient to another health care provider for treatment.

Visit your family dentist

Seeing your dentist can help you get clean and shiny teeth. Regular dental visits offer a good way to prevent dental disease and check for signs and symptoms of other diseases. Your dentist can tell you if you have gum disease and help get your gums healthy again. Your dentist will also check for tooth decay and if needed treat it. Your oral health is important so you should visit your family dentist regularly.

Request an appointment here: https://www.michianafamilydental.com or call Michiana Family Dental at (574) 349-2073 for an appointment in our South Bend office.

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