Going to the dentist every six months might not be at the top of your list of favorite activities, but it’s one of the most important appointments to keep. If you’ve been avoiding seeing your dentist, whether it’s due to issues with time, money, or anxiety, you’re putting the health of your mouth, and even the rest of your body, at risk. Not to mention, regular dental checkups and cleanings can even save you money in the long run! Here are four good reasons why you should see your dentist in Moses Lake at least twice a year.
1. Detecting Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that can quickly become fatal if it’s not caught early enough. During your regular checkups, your dentist can take just a few minutes to closely examine your mouth, throat, and neck for any cancerous or precancerous tissue. Getting a quick oral cancer screening every six months drastically increases the chance that it can be caught before any serious damage is done.
2. Removing Plaque and Tartar
Even those most diligent about brushing and flossing occasionally miss a spot. When this happens, plaque builds up and hardens into a substance called tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Your hygienist can remove plaque and tartar at your cleanings, saving you from problems like bad breath, yellow teeth, and gum disease.
3. Finding Cavities
Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that can erode holes in your tooth enamel, which is what causes cavities. In the early stages, you might not even be able to tell you have a cavity. But by the time it becomes painful, you may need more than a filling to treat it. You might require a more invasive and costly procedure like a root canal or extraction. Regular checkups ensure cavities get diagnosed before they reach that point.
4. Treating Gum Disease
In addition to eroding your enamel, plaque and tartar can also irritate your gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. These are the first signs of gum disease, an infection in your gum tissue that can lead to tooth loss if you don’t get it treated soon enough. Like tooth decay, gum disease doesn’t usually display symptoms like discomfort until irreversible damage has already been done. Your dentist can notice signs of this condition and get your treated before it puts you at risk for tooth loss.
It might not seem like a big deal to skip out on your dental appointments, but doing so can spell disaster for your oral health. By keeping up with these twice-a-year visits, you can save yourself a lot of money and time in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder is a dentist in Moses Lake, WA who has over 20 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University’s dental school. Since then, he has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to hone his skills. He wholeheartedly believes that when it comes to dentistry, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why he’s more than happy to see patients in the Moses Lake area for checkups. To learn more about the importance of these visits, you can contact Dr. Harder via his website or by calling (509) 765-4351.