fWhen your smile looks good, and your oral health seems on the upswing, it can be easy to talk yourself out of going to that routine exam and cleaning with your favorite Atlanta dentist. After all, a dental appointment takes time out of your busy schedule, and you have no current concerns about the state of your oral health.
As reasonable as that line of thinking may sound, there are plenty of reasons you should never skip your semi-annual exam. Like your car or home’s HVAC system, staying on top of your oral care with routine maintenance can help catch issues before they become serious and keep you from dealing with serious procedures.
The only difference is that a car or furnace is replaceable — but your health is not.
Keeping Up with the State of Your Oral Health with Your Atlanta Dentist
Everything may look and feel like it’s in great shape regarding your oral health, but issues you cannot detect on your own could slowly develop.
When you visit your Atlanta dentist for a routine exam, they’ll use their training and special tools to catch those issues and treat them before they have a chance to progress into something that might require an uncomfortable procedure to treat.
Your dentist will look for evidence of cavities developing and early signs of gum disease — two issues that are a breeze to treat in their earlier stages but can become much bigger problems if allowed to develop.
A Closer Look with Dental X-Rays
Merely looking into your mouth and observing the state of your teeth and gums will not tell the whole story of your oral health. With the help of dental X-rays, your Atlanta dentist will get a much better idea of what’s going on in your mouth, from the development of cavities to your bone mass to alignment or eruption issues.
Oral Cancer Screening
Every routine exam includes a screening for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Your dentist will look closely at the soft tissues in your mouth to see if there are any abnormalities that need further attention. If they discover anything, they’ll refer you to an oncologist who will diagnose you.
A Deep Cleaning to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
You may be keeping up with your at-home oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and maintaining a tooth-friendly diet, but there’s only so much you can do at home to protect your oral health on your own. There are certain areas of your mouth that are difficult or even impossible to access on your own.
Fortunately, your dentist has the tools and the knowledge necessary to access and clean those parts of your mouth during your semi-annual exam. They will reach below your gum line to clear out plaque buildup and use a special device to remove tartar that you would not be able to remove on your own.
Not only will your teeth cleaning help ensure the safety of your teeth and gums going forward, but it will also provide you with a pristine and healthy smile.
Why You Want to Avoid Gum Disease
Most people know that no good can come from developing a cavity, but not everyone knows how dangerous gum disease can be to your oral and overall health. This infection of the gum tissue is caused by a buildup of bacteria-filled tartar and plaque around the gums and teeth, and it can wreak havoc on your mouth.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, most often presents itself through swelling and reddening of the gum tissue. It might also result in your gums easily bleeding when brushing or flossing.
This stage of gum disease is easily treatable, but once it advances to the next stage, it can only be treated, not cured.
Gum disease can continue to advance if left unchecked, resulting in gum recession, increased tooth sensitivity, dental abscesses, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Advanced gum disease has even been connected to health conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
Semi-Annual Exams Can Prevent Gum Disease
Brushing and flossing can help stop gum disease from developing, but they may not be enough if you don’t visit your dentist for routine exams and cleanings. Gum disease prevention is one of the biggest reasons you should call your Atlanta dentist today to schedule an appointment.
If you’re ready to schedule your semi-annual exam with Dr. Brett Langston, contact Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists today.