3 Reasons To Schedule A Dental Appointment
The dentist is your best ally in protecting your oral health and improving the look of your smile. While going to the dentist can cause a lot of anxiety, it helps prevent painful and expensive complications. If you would like to know more, check out these three reasons you should schedule a dental appointment.
1. You've Neglected Preventative Care
Preventive care includes home self-care, such as:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Using mouthwash
- Limiting sugar/acid/simple carbohydrate intake
- Drinking plenty of water
However, the dentist also provides some important preventative care, including cleanings, exams, and X-rays. If you've neglected any preventative care, you likely have tartar. In some cases, bacteria and irritation also cause gum disease.
Unlike plaque, you can't brush away tartar; it must be removed with special tools to pry off the tartar. However, only the dentist and/or dental hygienist have the tools and skills to remove tartar without causing further damage to the tooth's enamel. If you have advanced oral neglect, your dentist may also recommend deep cleanings, fluoride, dental crowns, extraction, root canal treatment, etc.
2. You Have Pain or Sensitivity
The enamel protects your teeth from decay and sensitivity. However, if you neglect preventative care, the bacteria acids can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more prone to decay and sensitivity. If your teeth hurt, you may have a cavity and/or an abscess. Both require treatment to prevent further complications.
If your teeth only hurt or feel sensitive when you consume something cold, hot, or sugary, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. Cold air can also trigger pain if you have sensitivity. Treatment consists of fluoride treatments and toothpaste to restrengthen enamel. If you've lost too much enamel, the dentist may recommend dental bonding, veneers, or dental crowns.
3. You Experienced Trauma to the Mouth
If you get hit in the face or smack your mouth into something, make a dental appointment. Even if you don't have any pain or discomfort, the trauma may have caused a mild fracture that can lead to decay and/or an infection.
If the tooth starts to turn black or brown, the pulp is likely dying. In either case, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment to prevent an infection. After root canal treatment (or if the trauma impacted the tooth's crown), the dentist will recommend a dental crown to strengthen the tooth against future fractures.
Stop neglecting your oral health and get the smile you've always wanted. Dentist clinics can offer a wide variety of services, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic. To find out more, contact a dental clinic near you.
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