Many people avoid or skip their dental visits. You might do this for fear, cost, or simply because you don’t think it’s worth it. Regular visits to the dentist can give you peace of mind. Let’s look at why. The mouth is large and can reach many places that we cannot see. Therefore, it makes sense to have someone with unrestricted access to the mouth to perform a thorough examination. This is what a dentist does.
Here are the top reasons to visit the dentist if you fall into the “what the point” category.
1) Plaque and bacteria
As we have said, brushing alone does not suffice. The same goes for flossing and mouthwashes. Regular dental visits can prevent plaque buildup. This is particularly important for difficult-to-reach areas and those that are hard to see. Plaque builds up and is more difficult to remove, making it more important that professionals address this issue.
2) The detection of oral cancer
Many people don’t know that dentists can check for oral cancer. If you don’t know the signs and symptoms, it can be difficult to recognize it. Dentists, like doctors, are highly skilled professionals who can quickly spot any problems in the mouth. Regular visits to the dentist allow for any changes to be checked and can help you catch problems early.
3) Gum problems
Gum problems affect everyone at one time or another. Most can be treated at home with simple remedies and lifestyle changes. Advanced gum problems can lead to bleeding, swelling and eventual tooth loss. Sometimes, early gum problems don’t show symptoms and are often not visible. Visit a dentist to have your gums and teeth checked. Many preventative measures can be taken much earlier.
4) Examination of the head, neck, and lymph nodes
Dentists do more than just inspect the mouth and teeth. They also check other areas, such as the jaw and surrounding areas. Untrained people may not be able to see any abnormalities or changes. Even though lymph nodes may become swollen, these can often be symptomless or painless. This can lead to problems that go untreated for long periods. It is easy to check these areas regularly and do a quick, but thorough, exam.
5) X-Rays
You can’t take your own xrays. As we have seen, certain areas of the mouth can be difficult to access. X-rays allow the dentist to see below the gums and mouth, making it easier to identify problems.