Some people are overcome with anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist. Others are concerned that they won’t be able to fit the cost of care into their budget. Whatever the reason, there are many people who don’t receive regular preventive dental care; they only call their dentist when they feel pain or feel like something is wrong with their mouth. This approach might seem reasonable enough on the surface, but in reality, skipping a dental cleaning in Ripon could have severe consequences in the near future. Here are just 3 reasons why you should never avoid your biannual dental appointments!
Reason 1: Cavities are Much More Likely to Appear
Even though cavities are preventable for the most part, they are still the most common oral health issue. A cavity forms when the hard outer layer of the tooth starts to decay. At first, you may not even realize that you have a cavity; the hole will be very tiny, and you might not feel any pain until much later. However, if the decay is allowed to continue, the cavity will grow larger, and eventually the bacteria in your mouth will be able to penetrate the inner layers of the tooth and infect the nerve, leading to a toothache that will likely need a root canal (or in extreme cases, a tooth extraction) to fix. Small cavities can be easily detected during a dental checkup, and your dentist in Ripon can quickly remove the decay and repair the tooth with a filling.
Reason 2: Your Risk of Gum Disease Will Be Higher
Your teeth aren’t the only things in your mouth that you need to worry about. If bacteria start to accumulate on the gum line, the tissue will start to become red and inflamed. This infection is known as gum disease, and while it starts off relatively mild, eventually the bacteria will destroy the tissue connecting the roots of the teeth to the gums, leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and a number of other health issues. In order to make sure gum disease is caught and treated as early as possible, you need to keep up with your regular dental appointments.
Reason 3: The Cost of Your Dental Care Will Rise
Skipping appointments to save money could actually be a very costly decision in the end. Cavities and gum disease can both be easily dealt with in their earliest stages, but advanced forms of these diseases typically require more complex treatments – and complex procedures generally carry a higher cost. Thus, if your finances are a concern, it’s in your best interest to seek preventive care.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, the old adage comes to mind: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By adopting the right oral hygiene habits at home and visiting your dentist every six months, you can avoid the issues listed above and keep your teeth safe for many years!
About Silver Creek Dentistry
At Silver Creek Dentistry, we are proud to have an entire team of excellent dentists who are all skilled and experienced with different facets of the field. When you arrive for your regular checkups and cleanings, you’ll be sure to receive the one-on-one attention you deserve from a true expert that’s ready to address your needs. To schedule your next appointment, visit our website or call (920) 748-7200.