Regular dental check-ups are important to keep teeth healthy and prevent irreversible damage. Dentists recommend twice-yearly visits, and more for those at risk. A dental hygienist can clean teeth thoroughly and identify potential problems early, preventing infections and the need for painful procedures. Those with dental anxiety can seek help from a mental health professional.
Many people are reminded that it is important to go to the dentist regularly, but the full reasoning is not always explained. Because many people have an intense fear of the dentist, understanding why you need to go regularly can encourage otherwise nervous individuals to make an appointment. According to the American Dental Association, people should visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup, and some people may need to visit more often if they’re identified as “at risk.” If you haven’t been in the past six months, you should probably make an appointment.
The main reason to go to the dentist is to keep your teeth in excellent health. During a teeth cleaning session, a dental hygienist can be much more thorough than you can do at home. The dentist has specialized equipment designed to remove plaque and tartar while cleaning the entire tooth. The dental hygienist can also offer tips and tricks for keeping your teeth healthy, and will generally tell your doctor how your session went, so he can address specific issues.
Most dental problems don’t become painful or visible until well advanced. Unfortunately, serious dental problems are usually irreversible, meaning an extremely painful tooth will need to be drilled or extracted. By going to the dentist regularly, you can keep an eye on your teeth with the help of x-rays and a physical exam. Your dentist can identify areas of potential risk and prevent major dental problems early. A dentist can also identify the need for gum grafts, braces, or other measures to protect the health of your mouth.
If you go to the dentist regularly, you will avoid high-risk dental infections. Not only are cavities painful, they are also potentially very dangerous for you. The infection can spread to the bloodstream, for example, leading to septicemia. Early detection will save you pain, money and potentially serious health problems. If you don’t go, you could also experience serious health problems down the line.
It’s understandable to be afraid of a trip to the dentist. If you experience immense anxiety or stress when going to the dentist, you may want to consider visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist to talk about the problem. A mental health professional can help you talk through your issues and deal with them. If needed, a psychiatrist can prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help you visit the dentist without fear.
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