How long has it been since your last dental checkup and cleaning? If you’re like the vast majority of Americans, it has been more than six months, which is far too long. Going to a dental checkup in Hoover may not be your idea of a fun day, but these appointments are crucial to your oral and even your general health. Keep reading to learn four reasons why you should see your dentist at least twice a year.
1. Screen for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is an extremely serious and sometimes even fatal disease that your dentist is trained to detect. In the early stages, it doesn’t usually present any symptoms, meaning it can progress to the dangerous stage before you even realize that something is wrong. This is why your dentist looks for signs of oral cancer at every checkup. If caught early enough, oral cancer is often entirely treatable.
2. Get Rid of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly can get rid of it, but if you go even 12 hours without an oral hygiene routine, plaque can harden into a substance called tartar. Once this has happened, only a dental professional can remove it. As long as you get a regular teeth cleaning in Hoover, your mouth should remain tartar-free.
3. Detect Cavities
Biannual appointments allow your dentist to check for early signs of tooth decay, or cavities, which occurs when bacteria in plaque or tartar create acid that erodes the tooth enamel. When they’re still small, cavities can be treated with simple fillings. If you put off your appointments, however, cavities could progress to the point that a more expensive and time-consuming procedure, like a root canal or tooth extraction, is needed.
4. Treat Gum Disease
Buildup of plaque and tartar not only wears down the tooth enamel, but the gum tissue as well. It may cause a bacterial infection known as gum disease. This causes bleeding, sore, or tender gums. The gums may even pull away from the teeth and eventually cause tooth loss. Your dentist can recognize the early signs of gum disease and prescribe treatment before it reaches that point.
Visiting your dentist in Hoover might not be your favorite activity, but as you can see, making these appointments is well worth it.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Moulton has more than three decades of experience in the dental field, ever since he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup, why not click here to contact Dr. Moulton’s office to schedule an appointment?