Plenty of people put off going to the dentist until they get in a lot of pain and then just have to go. That’s a bad idea. If you’re not happy with your oral health, visit your family dentist in Fishers, IN, at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
You may think it’s too inconvenient and you really aren’t in that much pain but visiting your family dentist is actually one of the best ways to keep from having tooth decay or other problems like gingivitis (gum disease) or even losing teeth! You’ll also avoid any expensive procedures if dental work is needed later on.
Here are a few of the biggest reasons why it’s important to visit your family dentist regularly.
- You can get cavities and gum disease treatment early
Cavity prevention is one of the main benefits of regular checkups. Your family dentist will perform an oral exam and clean your teeth thoroughly, looking for signs of tooth decay or other problems with your gums and teeth. Once he or she finds any issues, a restoration or filling can be placed right then and there to repair the damage before you face any more tooth pain. If a tooth is in danger, it can be saved so you don’t have to get it removed.
- Your dentist can also help prevent gum disease and tooth loss
Teeth, gums, and bone support all play important roles in our chewing ability, talking ability, and overall general health. Your family dentist might recommend simple steps like flossing daily and rinsing your mouth with fluoride toothpaste to help prevent larger problems. If you do find yourself facing more of a challenge, your family dentist can help you in getting treatment for what’s causing it, like periodontal disease (gum disease) and oral cancer.
- You’ll be able to catch oral cancer early
There are certain warning signs, like bad breath and white or red patches on the gums, that could mean you have oral cancer. Your family dentist is trained to spot these changes and recommend a visit to your general dentist if it’s needed. If a biopsy is performed during your exam, you’ll be notified right away if any issues are found so they can be treated as soon as possible. You can also get a good idea of how healthy your mouth is as a whole with an oral cancer screening.
