5 Reasons To Visit the Dentist Regularly

What is the first thing that you notice when you meet someone for the first time? For some people, it’s their eyes. Some would look at their choice of clothing, and others would automatically be drawn to the person’s smile, specifically their teeth.

When you’re introduced to someone, it is customary for one to smile as you shake their hand. It’s sort of an untold subtle way of saying that it is a pleasure to meet him or her without really having to say it.

You see, the teeth are one of the first few things that someone takes notice of you and vice versa. Our first impression of someone mainly depends on what we see on the outside. You can’t deny the fact that you have judged someone based solely on looks. However, it’s not particularly wrong if that person’s still a stranger to you. As humans, it is an innate means for us to get to know someone prior to talking and actually spending time with them. It is our way of familiarizing ourselves with that person, and our means of assessing if someone is a threat or not.

Of course, we have already evolved from that kind of mindset. Still, it is important that you take care of your teeth. It’s not because of what others might think or say, but because your dental health is a part of your overall physical health.

Here are some reasons why you should regularly visit your dentist.

1. Keep Bad Habits in Check

Several bad habits may have direct and indirect impacts of your dental and oral health, says this experienced dentist in Harrisburg. Some of these habits may be even some that you’re not aware you’re doing. Some examples would be biting your nails, chewing on ice, eating sweets, clenching your jaw, brushing your teeth too hard, smoking, or using your teeth as an opener for everything. Keep in mind that if you want a healthy set of teeth, stop using your teeth as a tool. Once you lose your permanent teeth, new ones won’t grow back anymore.

Regular dental checkups can not only aid you in preventing teeth discoloration, it will also help you be aware of the damages that have already been done to your teeth and how much there is. These will be addressed immediately and prevent further damage. The dentist can help inform you and make you conscious of your bad habits that you didn’t even know you had.

2. Hidden Problems

The easiest way of telling if your dental health is in a good condition is simply by looking at it. Just by opening your mouth and having your dentist check on your teeth can already help you both detect if there are any issues. However, what your dentist sees isn’t enough to assume that your teeth are in an entirely healthy state. There’s so much we cannot see underneath our gums. Who knows what’s going on in there?

This is where dental x-rays come in handy. They are essential in seeing what’s going on under the surface and help your dentist make a proper diagnosis of the issues present but invisible to the naked eye. Complications can include impacted teeth, damage to the jaw bone, swelling, cysts, tumors, or even bone decay, which are impossible to be seen without an x-ray imaging.

Early Detection and Prevention

By just looking at the mirror, you should be able to see if there’s anything wrong with the insides of your mouth. However, some problems cannot be identified and located immediately just on your own. With the help of your dentist, the issue can be detected early, and this can be accomplished with the help of dental x-ray imaging. Early detection is essential because this will enable your dentist to provide you with the proper preventative measures to be taken accordingly and accurately so that it won’t turn into a much severe case than it is.

In addition to this, it can also help you save money by avoiding possible oral issues you might face. Taking action at an early stage can help you prevent serious complications that can cause you a lot of pain and have your money going down the drain. As they always say, prevention is better than cure.

Head, Neck, and Lymph Nodes Check

In addition to checking your mouth, gums, and tongue, your dentist will also be inspecting your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes. There may be swelling, lumps, and other abnormalities that you are not aware of, which can be a sign of a major health issue. Lymph nodes that have gone swollen do not necessarily hurt and may be brushed off. A regular checkup can help you and your dentist immediately determine if there are any problems and abnormalities such as this so that they would be able to refer you to the appropriate medical professional.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that needs to be addressed straight away with the first sign that shows up. Usually, it is a result of having an extremely unhealthy lifestyle that involves drinking, smoking, and just simply not brushing your teeth. Getting yourself a private dentist for your regular checkups can be of help to keep track of your oral and dental state. A sudden change can be noticed by a dentist who already knows your dental record and what improvements or issues may have arisen caused by said unhealthy lifestyle.

With dentists being highly trained to immediately recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, along with regularly having dental checkups, the chances of them being able to spot and catch oral cancer in time is higher. Recognizing oral cancer while it is still in its early stage is key to being able to treat it successfully. If overlooked, consequences may be detrimental and life-threatening.

These are just some of the reasons why you should visit your dentist regularly. It is advised that you have your dental checkup at least once every six months. Also, don’t forget that your toothbrush gets old too! According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. Surely it’s not much of a bother for you to grab one while shopping.

Don’t let yourself take your teeth for granted. You might be ignoring them now that they’re still complete, but don’t be sulking when some of them decide to go missing. Take care of your teeth and show them that amazing smile of yours!