Seeing a Boynton Beach dentist is more than just keeping your teeth clean or getting a filling here and there. The regular cleaning you are meant to get every 6 months does everything from preventing the progress of early dental issues to spotting signs that may be indicative of larger health concerns.
Although skipping that appointment you see coming up on your calendar may seem easy and not that big of a deal, it can lead to serious issues down the line if you continue to delay the checkup for too long.
These regular checkups go far beyond a regular cleaning.
Prevention
Though you look in the mirror every day in the morning and night when brushing your teeth, you do not have a trained eye to see any complications that may be arising on or around your teeth.
To prevent any complications or to stop and catch them early, you must see a dentist regularly.
Preventative Dental Visits Can Look Like:
- Getting regular cleaning, every 6 months, is recommended
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Removing plaque and tartar from teeth
- Checking fillings to make sure they are still in good condition
Common Preventable Problems
Cavities
- Cavities are caused when plaque buildup slowly eats away at your enamel. Cavities can be prevented by keeping up with proper hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, as well as regular cleanings.
Gum Disease
- Gum disease or also known as gingivitis, can be reversed when caught in the early stages. However, leaving it untreated will only cause more issues, and the effects of untreated gingivitis are no longer reversible.
Grinding Teeth
- Grinding teeth, or bruxism, is normally done subconsciously when you are sleeping, stressed, or anxious. Your dentist may offer some advice on how to stop or help you get a mouthguard to wear.
The above are all easily fixed when caught in time. By going to your regular dental cleanings, you are saving yourself money and a ton of health concerns in the future.
Early Detection
By catching problems in their early stages, the solutions tend to be much simpler, less invasive, and far more effective than they would have been had you let the problem progress.
Your dentist uses detection tools to highlight any possible problems, such as x-rays and visual exams to try and spot the early signs of:
- Cavities
- Gum inflammation or an infection
- Enamel being worn down
Benefits of catching problems early include:
Cavities
- If you catch a cavity early, it can be dealt with fairly simply with a filling. If you leave it to fester, it may require a root canal, crown, or extraction, which are far more invasive and expensive.
Gum Disease
- In the early stages of gum disease, it can be reversed and treated with a deep cleaning. Leaving it progress to further stages, such as advanced periodontitis, may require surgery.
Bruxism
- Stopping the problem of grinding your teeth early will prevent any significant damage from happening.
- Since it is subconscious, and may even be happening in your sleep, you do not even know that you are doing it.
- By visiting your dentist regularly, they can bring the issue up and work on a solution that will help you to stop.
How Routine Visits Can Save You Money
Skipping a routine checkup may seem like a way to cut costs; however, regular visits are what keep you from turning the smaller problems into something much bigger and expensive. By catching these dental issues early, you save yourself from having to deal with stress, time, and money.
These are a few ways in which a routine visit is saving you money:
- Early detection means smaller and easier issues, which are usually cheaper to fix
- Preventing a problem is much more affordable than creating a repair
- Keeps not only your oral health but also your overall health on track. Oral health is related to your overall health, so stopping problems early on betters your entire well-being
Visiting a Boynton Beach dentist regularly is one of the most affordable ways to maintain your oral health.
Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Maintaining proper oral health is beneficial to your entire body. Poor oral health habits can negatively contribute to health problems or worsen any existing health conditions.
Here are some of the ways your oral health and overall health are related.
- Those with diabetes have a higher chance of developing gum problems
- Gum disease is said to make regulating blood sugar more difficult
- Some cancers have been linked to gum disease
- Any bacteria from untreated dental issues can enter your bloodstream and start to affect the rest of your body, including your heart and lungs
- Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
Professional Cleaning and Advice
Having a daily routine at home consisting of flossing and brushing twice a day is essential; however, it can only do so much. When you go to get a professional cleaning at a Boynton Beach dentist, they make sure to remove any plaque and tartar, as well as give you advice on how to take care of your teeth and protect them for years to come.
This is why getting professional cleaning and advice is so important:
- Deep cleaning means healthy gums and removes buildup that can lead to gingivitis
- They can help to prevent cavities before they get the chance to start as the make sure to get rid of plaque that you may not be reaching
- Keeps your breath fresh
- Regular cleanings ensure you catch the small issues before they can turn into big concerns
Regular professional cleanings paired with expert advice keep your mouth healthier, your smile brighter, and your dental bills lower over time.
Schedule Regular Cleanings With A Boynton Beach Dentist
Regular dental visits are much more than keeping your teeth looking clean and sparkly; they are an essential part of protecting your overall health, preventing any major costly problems, and helping you to maintain a happy and confident smile.
If you are ready to book your cleaning today, give Eriks Dental Group, located in the Boynton Beach area, a call at 561-733-4004.