You’ve always been told that dental care is essential to your health, but skipping an appointment can’t be that bad, right? That’s where you would be incorrect. Even if you aren’t in any pain, there are still plenty of negative consequences of missing your regular dental visits. It has an impact on your mouth, your body, and your wallet. Continue reading to learn the effects of skipping a dental cleaning from your dentist in Sacramento.
Cavities
Did you know that tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease even though it is largely preventable? In fact, cavities are the most common threat to oral health. Even if you are the most diligent brusher and flosser in the world, there are still going to be hard-to-reach places that you’re going to miss. This is where plaque will build up and can eventually lead to cavities. This is where your dentist comes into the picture. During your cleaning, they will thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildups in your mouth. They will also check for early signs of tooth decay so it can be treated before progressing to a more serious and painful issue.
Gum Disease
Your teeth are just one of many parts of your mouth and they aren’t the only thing that needs to be maintained. Your smile relies on healthy gum tissue in order to support your teeth. However, gums are often neglected as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. In fact, half of adults over the age of 30 have some level of periodontal disease. When left untreated, it can progress and lead to loose teeth or tooth loss entirely. Fortunately, your dentist is trained to catch early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming too serious.
Health Issues
During your checkup, your dentist checks for other abnormalities by examining your tongue, throat, face, and neck. Often times, this can be the first indication of something very serious going on in the body. If you’re skipping your dental appointments, it could take much longer to detect issues like oral cancer, hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, and heart disease. Noticing these issues early on is essential for the best possible treatment.
Discoloration
Staining can happen for a number of different reasons. This includes using tobacco products, drinking coffee, or simply just getting older. Whenever you go in for your regular cleanings, your hygienist polishes your teeth in order to reduce surface stains. If you aren’t having this done regularly, stains are likely to accumulate at a faster rate. You may end up paying much more for cosmetic treatments in the future if you don’t properly maintain the aesthetics of your smile now.
Think twice before skipping your dental appointment. Even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, it can lead to all sorts of future issues that can take a toll on both your health and your wallet. Keep in mind that preventive care is key for a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Grivas earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and opened up his very own practice over a decade ago. He is committed to expanding his knowledge in the field through continuing education courses including the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies continuum. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grivas, visit his website or call (916) 571-0815.
