In general, people don’t like going to the dentist. We don’t like taking time out of our busy lives. We don’t want to have to pay dental care costs. We don’t want to take a risk on getting a potentially painful procedure done. However, avoiding your regular dental checkups can cause much more harm than good. Let’s look 4 problems that can occur when you skip out on your regular appointments with your dentist in Carrollton.
1. Your Teeth Might Wear Down from Grinding
Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth, often while you’re sleeping. Because you’re unconscious, you can’t do anything about it. When left untreated, the enamel of your teeth can erode, causing sensitivity and even pain. At your regular checkup, your dentist can tell when your enamel has started to wear away from bruxism and prescribe you a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth during the night.
2. Your Cavities Could Get Worse
No one likes getting fillings, but they are a relatively cheap and simply procedure, especially compared to what happens when you let cavities get worse. They do not heal on their own; in fact, they get worse over time. When a cavity is allowed to fester, the decay could spread to the inner portion of the tooth called the pulp. Then an expensive root canal procedure might be needed. If you put off a root canal, you may need an extraction and dental implant, which is several times more costly. Visit your dentist every 6 months to prevent racking up dental costs in the future.
3. Gum Disease Could Cause Tooth Loss
Gum disease is the most common oral health problem in the U.S. However, when caught early, it can be treated. Your dentist can detect the early stages of gum disease and often treat them with a prescription of antibiotics. If the disease is left alone, it can cause your gums to recede and make your teeth loose or even fall out. Going to your regular dental visits can literally save your teeth!
4. You May Not Get Treated for Oral Cancer Soon Enough
Oral cancer might sound scary, but when caught early, it doesn’t have to be. At your checkup, your dentist can perform an examination to check your mouth for any unusual lumps that could be indicative of oral cancer. If you have a strange lump in or around your mouth, this would be a perfect time to schedule an appointment, just in case. Even if it turns out to be nothing, better safe than sorry.
As you can see, skipping out on your dental checkups is a lot worse than you might think. Call your dentist today and schedule your next checkup today to save your teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh thrives on building trusting relationships with patients in Carrollton, TX. He believes that if a patient trusts their dentist, they won’t be afraid to come to their regular appointments. To learn more about how regular checkups can save your teeth, click here or call (972)-820-7294.