Risk Factor: Avoiding the Dentist

Know When to Visit the Dentist

• Your teeth have become sensitive to hot or cold.
• Your gums are puffy and bleed easily.
• You have fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures.
• You have persistent bad breath.
• You are pregnant.
• Your mouth is often dry.
• You smoke or use tobacco problems.
• Your jaw sometimes pops or has become painful to open.
• You spot a sore in your mouth that has not cleared up.

Visiting the dentist every month is crucial to your oral and overall health. The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. By visiting the dentist regularly, problems can be spotted early when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. Between these visits, it is important to regularly brush and floss.

During your dental visit, the dentist will be checking the health of your gums, looking for tooth decay, cavities, and examining your mouth for indications of oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. Your face, bite, and jaw movement may also be assessed to check for TMJ. Some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that appear in the mouth. Tartar and plaque buildup will be removed, which can be detrimental if left untreated.

Plaque is a soft, clear deposit that forms on the tooth’s surface that only becomes visible by things we eat or drink or if we use tobacco. Failure to remove plaque and tartar from teeth can result in tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. This plaque contains germs that can be harmful to gums and can spread to other areas of your body, causing further negative impacts. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent buildup. Visiting your dentist is necessary to prevent serious buildup.

Your dentist is there to assess the overall health of your mouth. After the examination, additional recommendations may be made about how to care for your teeth or gums.

Tips to Maintain Your Oral Health

• Brush twice daily, and floss
• Change your toothbrush every two to three months
• Visit the dentist every six months
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Cut down on sugar consumption, including soda
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet