How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
Many people don't visit the dentist until they have dental problems. But waiting for an obvious dental condition to appear before you go to the dentist is a bad idea for many reasons. Regular dental visits help you to keep your dental health in good shape.
Even if you can't see any obvious signs of dental trouble, there are many good reasons to visit your dentist frequently.
1. To check the condition of your enamel
Enamel is harder than bone. But that doesn't mean that enamel doesn't suffer over time. For instance, teeth can suffer wear and tear in the same way that most materials can. Acidic foods erode enamel, acids from bacterial organisms erode enamel, and chewing wears the surface of enamel away. Wear and tear increases the risk of cavities. Regular dental visits can spot these issues early.
2. To check for plaque and tartar issues
Plaque is a combination of food debris and oral bacteria. This sticky film clings to your teeth and grows worse over time, especially if you don't remove it. In time, plaque hardens into tartar. And both plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease. So, if your dentist can help you to remove plaque and tartar before damage occurs to your teeth and gums.
3. To check the condition of your gums
Your gums should cover the roots of your teeth. This is important since the roots of teeth have a thinner layer of enamel than the crowns of teeth. If your gums have receded, gum line cavities are a risk. Your dentist can identify gum issues and treat them early.
4. To check the hard-to-see areas of your mouth
There are certain areas of your mouth that you won't be able to see clearly, such as between the molars and behind the wisdom teeth. Hidden dental problems can silently damage these areas. Regular visits to your dentist can identify hidden dental issues early.
5. To check that your teeth are not moving out of place
Over time, teeth drift toward the front of the mouth. This movement is called mesial drift. But if your teeth move too much, they can cause issues such as difficulty eating and speaking. Crooked teeth are also prone to chips and cracks since they come together with the opposing teeth awkwardly. Your dentist can help to ensure that your teeth are not moving too much.
6. To receive advice on oral health from your dentist
Your dentist will be aware of all the new science on dentistry and dental hygiene. Visiting a dentist often ensures that you can stay up to date on how best to care for your teeth.
Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that you identify minor dental issues, and treat them before they become a serious problem.