Your dentist isn’t just there to treat you when you have a problem with your smile. In fact, dentists play an integral role in preventative care for your teeth and gums alongside your daily brushing and flossing. Without seeing a dentist regularly, you increase your risk for oral health issues, especially tooth decay and gum disease.
Avoiding the dentist can cause irreversible harm to your teeth and gums. Don’t let these consequences impact the long-term health and beauty of your smile!
Missing Dental Appointments Means Missing the Opportunity to Catch Problems Early
Dentists are trained professionals and can identify oral health problems before you even start having symptoms. Missing your regular dental appointments means missing the opportunity to catch these problems early and prevent permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
These oral health problems include:
- Bruxism. Teeth grinding puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, causing chips, cracks, and worn tooth enamel you may not notice until significant damage has been done [1]. Your dentist, however, can identify the signs of bruxism early.
- Tooth Decay. Cavities don’t form overnight. As your tooth enamel breaks down from plaque and bacteria, the cavity can grow larger and compromise your tooth. It’s not until this point that people typically start having symptoms [2].
- Gum Disease. Gum disease starts with gum inflammation and can then progress to full- blown gum disease. Your dentist can identify the signs of gum inflammation before the condition progresses.
By avoiding the dentist, you’re at higher risk for permanent damage such as tooth loss from these conditions. Your dentist can even identify other potential health conditions simply by looking at your smile. For example, your dentist may see signs of acid reflux or even sleep apnea by examining your teeth.
Professional Teeth Cleanings Help Minimize Stains, Which Can Build Up
Avoiding the dentist and regular teeth cleanings can also cause stains to build up on your teeth. When you visit your dentist, a dental hygienist will professionally clean and polish your teeth to remove surface stains and brighten your smile.
Teeth naturally become stained over time from what we eat and drink, with berries, coffee, soy sauce, tea, wine, and tomato sauce being some of the top culprits for staining teeth. Stains can become more set-in over time, so when not removed regularly at your dentist’s office, you may need to consider further treatment to keep your teeth bright [3]. People who chew tobacco or smoke are at a higher risk for irreversible teeth staining, especially if they skip their regular dental cleanings.
Don’t Put Off Your Dental Visits
Even if you have dental anxiety, there are ways to make your next dental appointment more comfortable so you don’t have to avoid the dentist and compromise your oral health. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, don’t wait to contact your dentist to book your next appointment!
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-
20356095
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay#symptoms
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321480
