What Happens To Your Smile When You Put off Your Biannual Dental Cleanings And Exams?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is important to visit your dentist for dental cleanings and exams at least twice a year. During a bi-yearly cleaning, we will thoroughly clean the teeth. We’ll also perform an oral cancer screening. We’ll also take X-rays to see if there have been any changes to the jaw or teeth since the last cleaning.

What Are The Benefits of Bi-Yearly Cleanings And Exams?

Cleanings and exams are a great time to catch developing dental problems. Many dental problems start out small and can be treated before they become severe. However, if these problems are not caught early, they can lead to cavities, gum disease, or even tooth loss.

During a cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque buildup from your teeth. The plaque that is removed is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with daily brushing and flossing. This hardened plaque can lead to cavities, so removing it is extremely important.

During a dental exam, the dentist will examine your teeth and check for any developing dental problems. The dental exam also includes a professional cleaning.

What Happens To My Teeth If I Skip My Dental Checkups And Teeth Cleanings?

• Tooth Decay

Nobody likes having cavities. They hurt, they make eating difficult, and they can make your smile look a bit dingy. The best way to keep these unwanted cavities at bay is to brush and floss your teeth every day and visit your dentist at least once every six months for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. If you don’t make time for these visits, you could potentially be at risk for tooth decay.

• Oral Cancer

Oral cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the mouth, lips, and throat. In general, oral cancer is diagnosed more frequently in men than in women. Oral cancer symptoms include sores in the mouth, swelling, white or red patches on the gums, and lumps or thickening of the jaw. Early detection of these symptoms is critical for the successful treatment of oral cancer. If you skip your dental visits, detection of oral cancer may not happen in its initial stages when it is easier to treat. 

• Gum Disease

When you skip out on biannual dental appointments, you are putting your smile at serious risk of infection and gum disease. This is because bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth, which, when left untouched, can lead to gum disease. Plus, gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and a slew of other medical problems.

• Tooth Loss

When gum disease is allowed to progress, tooth loss can occur. At our office, we can help prevent tooth loss due to gum disease by administering periodontal therapy. In fact, we’ll examine your mouth twice a year for signs of gum disease and treat it promptly. When gum disease is treated in a timely manner, it’s usually reversible.

It’s common for many patients to want to put off their biannual dental exams and cleanings. However, skipping these appointments will put your smile at risk. While your teeth and gums may feel fine, it is still very important to come in for regular checkups.

Regular checkups allow your dentist to thoroughly examine your teeth for signs of decay, infection, or gum disease. If your dentist finds any issues, he or she will be able to provide treatment as soon as possible.

Visit Rosemont Dental Center, 2090 Old Farm Dr #C, Frederick, MD 21702, or contact the Dentist in Frederick, MD, by calling us at (301) 663-1144 to learn more about dental and oral health.